A green-fingered hospice volunteer has described her role as “rewarding and humbling” – and says she would recommend it to anyone. Jane Dack gives up time to help maintain the beautiful gardens at The Treehouse, in Ipswich.
She is part of a dedicated, hard-working team that tend to the East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH) grounds.
“I love gardening so when I saw EACH were asking for garden volunteers, it seemed an obvious choice,” said the 58-year-old, who lives in Hasketon.
“Having worked in a local primary school for 16 years, I wanted to take a volunteer role that benefited children. There’s an established and friendly team that maintains the garden here at The Treehouse.
“I enjoy playing my part in making the site look as good as possible for the families and staff that use it. It’s very rewarding and humbling when family members take time to comment on the gardens.”
Jane, who is married and has two grown-up sons, started volunteering after taking early retirement seven years ago. She says her favourite outside area at the hospice is the courtyard sensory garden.
“A water feature was added last year and it’s a very peaceful place to be,” she said.
“It’s also protected from the deer that like to snack on the flowers! My favourite flower is the rose, so I’m researching a thornless variety that I can suggest to add to this area.
“It’s great being part of a team where your advice is welcomed and I’d definitely recommend volunteering for EACH. Gardening is such a wonderful activity and when you have the chance to do it for other people’s enjoyment, it’s even more special.”
EACH supports families and cares for children and young people with life-threatening conditions. In addition to The Treehouse, it has two other hospices – The Nook, near Norwich, and at Milton, near Cambridge. Each has its own dedicated team of gardening volunteers.
There are various ways to support the charity by volunteering, with something to suit individual skills and interests. To find out more about any of the opportunities available, email volunteerservices@each.org.uk or contact volunteer services on 01223 205183.
