Marie Dale

Marie Dale first got involved volunteering at Willow Wood just before the Hospice opened.

Explaining how it first started, she told us: “I went to see the matron at the time, Barbara Robinson, in July 1998 to see if she needed any help with anything at the Hospice. My husband had died in the January so I was looking for something to do once I finished work in December that year.

“I asked Barbara to let me know and then she rang me one day to ask if I could help with a bit of office and preparatory work before the Hospice had even started accepting patients.

“So I did some cleaning, which became two days a week once the Hospice opened. As more people got on board, I started doing one day a week on Reception.

“I also supported fundraising by volunteering on tombola stalls at events such as the Gee Cross Fete and helped in the Lottery office for a few months when it first started.”

Marie – from Hyde – still helps out at the monthly Coffee Mornings at the Hospice and at our Purchase and Donate (PAD) shop in Stalybridge.

“I used to have a stall in the Garden Room at the Coffee Morning and now I sell raffle tickets on the door with my friend Barbara,” she said.

“I used to volunteer a full day at the PAD but, as I’m now 84 years old, I can only do a couple of hours working on the till downstairs but I enjoy the people and the company.

“I’ve brought my grandchildren and great grandchildren to help out both at the Coffee Mornings and at the PAD as it’s good for the next generation to get involved too.”

Marie really enjoys volunteering for Willow Wood – something she would highly recommend to others.

“It’s important for us all to do our bit to get involved and help a worthy cause. I’ve got so much from volunteering and made so many friends.”