Dedicated volunteer Caroline brings comfort to hospice patients

One of those volunteers is Caroline Bucknall, 70, from Burton, who now gives her time every week on the hospice’s Inpatient Unit (IPU) – a decision inspired by her own experience with cancer. 

Having gone through treatment herself, Caroline knows first-hand how vital compassionate care is. Once her husband retired and she had more time on her hands, she felt it was the perfect moment to give back to St Giles Hospice. 

Caroline said: “I came to a point in my life where my husband was retiring, my grandchildren were growing up, and I had some free time that I wanted to give to St Giles. Having had cancer myself, I felt like perhaps I could give something to St Giles – going through cancer does give you empathy for the situation that some of our patients and their loved ones are going through.” 

Caroline volunteers once a week on the IPU, supporting staff, patients and families. Whether it’s helping to make tea or offering a friendly chat, Caroline’s contribution is valued by the wider team. 

She continued: “Volunteering on the IPU is really nice – I’ve made some great friends through volunteering. 

“The team on the unit are so appreciative of volunteers – it is very nice that when you leave after your volunteering shift, several of them will say ‘thank you for coming in today’, which of course isn’t necessary, but it’s very kind.” 

Kevin Lowe, Volunteer Coordinator at St Giles Hospice, said: “We’re so grateful to volunteers like Caroline who offer their time on our Inpatient Unit, and across the wider organisation. 

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 find out more about volunteering opportunities at St Giles Hospice, visit stgileshospice.com/support-us/volunteer