Sue Fagan

Willow Wood is a big part of my life, and I’m so grateful to be a part of it. I’ve been volunteering here on Wednesday afternoons since May 2022, helping at Reception and supporting both the Wellbeing and Inpatient Unit teams.

My journey with Willow Wood started back in 2019 when my partner, Wolf, was admitted to the IPU. We’d been caring for him at home, but one of the Macmillan nurses told us he could get a place at Willow Wood. I remember being a bit hesitant at first, unsure about what to expect, but Wolf’s spirits lifted almost immediately. He even joked that one day I should get a job at the Hospice! He sadly passed away there, and then with Covid soon after, it took me a little while to reconnect. But when I felt ready, I applied to help on the ward. There weren’t openings at the time, so they asked if I’d like to work on Reception. I wasn’t sure at first, but I started working with Verrien, who turned out to be a friend of friends, and I soon found I loved it.

I’ve had a varied career – from nursing and office management to reflexology – so I’ve developed a mix of skills over the years. Right now, I also do some part-time work for a jeweller, Oscar and Olivia, but being here at Willow Wood has taught me so much. Working on Reception has helped me understand the Hospice’s values and the wide range of services we offer. I’ve come to appreciate that there’s so much more to Willow Wood than just the Inpatient Unit; we’re here for every stage of support.

One thing I’ve learned is how to gauge each situation – when to bring a little humour to lighten a moment, when to be more serious, and when it’s a time for quiet support. People even recognise me outside of the Hospice; once a lady in Marks & Spencer came up to say hello, remembering me from Reception. We have a WhatsApp group for the Reception team, too, so we can manage the rota and cover for each other. It’s lovely – we’re like a little friendship circle.

The variety of tasks keeps me engaged; one minute I’m answering the phone, then I’m chatting with a patient, and the next, I might be helping someone in the Reception shop. It brings a real buzz to my day, and my time as an office manager definitely comes in handy when it comes to multitasking. If I can make someone’s day a bit brighter, a bit easier, it’s all worth it. I remember how warmly I was welcomed each time I walked through Willow Wood’s doors when Wolf was ill, and now I have the chance to greet others the same way.

Volunteers are such a vital part of Willow Wood. On Reception, we’re the first face people see, and it’s humbling to be trusted with that. All of us come from different backgrounds with unique skills, and we bring that into the Hospice in our own ways.

Giving financially through events and donations is important, too, but I feel that giving my time is especially meaningful. I remember Wolf once thought Willow Wood was a private hospital and worried about the bill we’d get! I told him it was free and that one day we’d give back, which feels right. When he passed, we asked for donations instead of flowers and raised £800. Our families support events like the Butterfly Memory Release, which my granddaughter absolutely loves.

I’d recommend volunteering to anyone. It’s not just about what you do; it’s about the friendships you build and becoming part of the Hospice family.