Sue gives back to Willow Wood in her partner’s memory

For Sue Fagan, Willow Wood Hospice means so much and is “part of my life”.

Sue, who lives nearby in Ashton-under-Lyne, has been a friendly face on Reception on Wednesday afternoons since May 2022.

She has also given the gift of her time to supporting our Wellbeing team and Inpatient Unit (IPU) team.

Sue, who has two children and two young grandchildren, first became connected to Willow Wood when her partner of 16 years, Wolf, was admitted to the IPU in 2019.

“We were nursing Wolfe at home and then one of the Macmillan nurses said we could get him a place at Willow Wood,” she explained.

“We were a little hesitant about Wolf coming to Willow Wood at first, but he became better mentally and even said I should get a job here one day!

“He sadly passed away at the Hospice and then Covid came. I applied to go on the ward, there weren’t any vacancies at the time but I was asked if I wanted to go on Reception.

“I didn’t fancy it at first but I did it and started working with Verrien. We had mutual friends so we got on really well and I love it.”

Sue, who is now semi-retired, has developed plenty of skills during her varied career – from being a nurse and an Office Manager at an accountancy firm to a qualified reflexologist and now does some part-time admin and sales work for a jeweller, Oscar and Olivia.

She feels her public-facing role has improved her understanding of the Hospice’s values and the extent of the services we provide.

“You get to know everyone at the Hospice as they come and go,” Sue told us. “I’m really glad I am on Reception because I feel like I really know what Willow Wood is all about now. I know there’s more to it than the Inpatient Unit.

“Over time, I have learned to know what tone to take in certain situations which I think is important. You know when you can tell a bit of a joke to someone, you know when it’s a bit more serious and you know when it’s a sad time.

“People recognise you from the Hospice – I spoke to a lady in Marks & Spencer who remembered me from Reception.

“We have a WhatsApp group where we can manage the rota ourselves and arrange cover for each other if needed, which is great. I feel part of a friendship circle.”

The plethora of different duties that Sue is trusted with on Reception is what she enjoys about the important role.

“One minute you’re answering the phone, the next minute you could be speaking to a patient and then you could be selling something in the Reception shop.

“I love the buzz and the variety of the role. My time as an Office Manager has helped me multi-task.

“I feel sometimes if I have said something to somebody that made them have a more positive day or made them feel a bit more comfortable or made them smile, it is all worth it. I remember how I used to feel when I walked through the door of the Hospice when Wolf was ill and it is nice to always be greeted so warmly.”

Sue has seen the value that volunteers like herself bring to the organisation.

“On Reception, we are the first face people see when they walk through the door. Volunteers are so important to Willow Wood. What I have realised is all the volunteers have come from really good backgrounds with lots of different skills from different professional roles.”

For Sue, giving back financially by attending fundraising events is important but giving her time is even more precious.

“When Wolf was at the Hospice, he thought it was a private hospital and that we were going to receive a bill,” she said.

“I told him it’s free and that the Hospice would get paid back. I feel like I am giving back not just for me but for him.

“For his funeral, we asked for donations and raised £800. Our families have also supported fundraising events like the Butterfly Memory Release – my granddaughter loves this event.

“I would recommend volunteering to anyone because it’s not just about what you do, you meet the other volunteers, you make friends and become part of the Hospice family.”