A friendly face and listening ear on our Inpatient Unit
For Brenda Donnelly, volunteering at Willow Wood Hospice is about giving something back.
Brenda, who lives in Hollingworth, joined the Hospice as a Visitor Liaison Volunteer on the Inpatient Unit in September 2025.
After a 16-year career as a hotel receptionist, she was perfectly suited to a role that combines welcoming people, offering support and helping families feel at ease during difficult times.
The Hospice has long held a special place in Brenda’s heart. Her father received care at Willow Wood before he died 12 years ago, and she always hoped to volunteer when she retired.
Now volunteering three mornings a week, Brenda helps answer phone calls, takes messages for staff and supports visitors and families. Her role also allows nurses and support workers to focus on patient care, while ensuring visitors always have someone available to help.
A typical shift can involve anything from offering refreshments and explaining more about the Hospice, to guiding visitors to where they need to go. Just as importantly, Brenda is there to provide a listening ear.
“I think it’s important that our visitors know there is always somebody willing to sit down with them to listen when they need to talk to somebody other than family,” she said.
One of Brenda’s most memorable moments came on her very first shift, when she welcomed a family whose loved one had just been admitted to the Inpatient Unit while nursing staff settled the patient in.
Brenda believes empathy is one of the most important qualities needed for the role, alongside confidence when speaking with visitors and families and the ability to provide accurate information.
Her advice for anyone considering becoming a Visitor Liaison Volunteer is simple: “Just be yourself and willing to lend an ear.”
What Brenda enjoys most is the sense of teamwork on the Inpatient Unit.
“I love the team, how they all work together and how I was made to feel very welcome and part of that team from day one,” she said.
She also says one of the highlights of every shift is being greeted by Julie Acourt, our Inpatient Unit Administrator.
“I have learned so much from her – she is excellent at what she does.”
For Brenda, volunteering means the world. It is her way of thanking Willow Wood for the care her father and wider family received, while helping to support others going through similar experiences.
Her message to anyone thinking about volunteering at the Hospice?
“Just do it, you’ll love it.”
Has Brenda inspired you to become a Willow Wood Hospice volunteer? Check out our Volunteer Vacancies page to see the exciting opportunities we have available and how you can get involved.
