St Giles Hospice volunteer shares her personal story of loss that led her to support others
This Volunteers’ Week (2-8 June), St Giles Hospice is proud to celebrate the dedication and compassion of its incredible volunteers.
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Heather West, 56, from Barton-Under-Needwood, was inspired to give back following her own grief journey. She began volunteering with the St Giles Family and Community Support team and at the Burton Bereavement Help Point following some significant personal losses.
While preparing for the death of her mother, who was receiving end of life care and living with dementia, Heather was suddenly confronted with a second tragedy - her brother was suddenly killed in a road traffic accident.
Experiencing both expected and unexpected loss in such a short time profoundly shaped Heather’s understanding of grief. Watching her nieces and nephews cope with the loss of a parent made her even more determined to support others.
Heather said: “It was a devastating time - losing two loved ones so close together was overwhelming. After going through those experiences and seeing how grief touches every part of life, I knew I wanted to be there for others facing something similar.”
Now, Heather is a compassionate presence for those navigating bereavement, offering guidance, empathy, and a listening ear to people who come to the Bereavement Help Point in Burton-on-Trent, as well as supporting St Giles’ wider Family and Community Support services.
Her unique ability to connect with others has touched the lives of countless individuals and families.
Kevin Lowe, Volunteer Coordinator at St Giles Hospice, said: “Heather’s personal journey means she truly connects with the people she supports, offering comfort and care when it’s needed most. Volunteers like Heather are the heart of St Giles – they give their time so generously, and we simply couldn’t do what we do without them.”
St Giles Hospice supports local people, and their loved ones, living with a terminal illness. They couldn't do what they do without their dedicated team of over 900 volunteers.
To learn more about volunteering or the Bereavement Help Points, visit stgileshospice.com/support-us/volunteer
