Peter Fleming

If you’ve ever admired the fresh, clean look of our Hospice walls, chances are you’ve got Peter Fleming to thank.

Peter, who is 81 years old, has been volunteering with us for over 10 years – and every Friday, like clockwork, he’s here with his paintbrush in hand.

Peter, from Dukinfield, spent 50 years working in his family’s rubber mouldings business, Millwood Footwear Units in Stalybridge.

After retiring, he didn’t slow down – instead, he took his skills to our garden first, before joining the Maintenance team.

It was actually his wife Pat, who used to volunteer in our Finance office, who nudged him towards Willow Wood.

“He’d be great with DIY!” she said – and she wasn’t wrong.

Starting with little jobs like changing bulbs and fixing doors, Peter quickly became our ‘painter-in-chief’ – and he’s now painted almost every room and staircase in the building at least once.

“I enjoy it,” he says. “I like working independently and it’s nice to help the Hospice look good for patients and visitors. The Hospice needs volunteers – it wouldn’t survive without them.”

Lisa Pye, our Volunteer Services Manager, added: “Peter’s a star. He quietly gets on with his work, never wants any fuss, and makes a huge difference behind the scenes. We’re incredibly grateful for everything he does – he’s saved the Hospice thousands over the years with his hard work.”

So next time you walk through a freshly painted corridor, give a little nod to Peter – he’s proof that a bit of time, a big heart, and a steady hand with a roller really can go a long way!