It’s something I thoroughly enjoy, I worked in the retail industry for years and it’s nice still having some involvement, despite being retired. EACH is a charity that allows you to share ideas and use your own initiative and it’s lovely working alongside a fantastic bunch of people. I find it very rewarding.

I’m not the sort of person who likes sitting around doing nothing and I’m always willing to do extra hours, if I find myself at a loose end. I really enjoy it and feel I need that contact with people. That’s why I love working on the till, because it gives me a chance to see and chat with customers. I can safely say this makes me very happy. It’s nice doing something different to support EACH.

I enjoy it very much – if I didn’t I wouldn’t do it. I love the companionship, meeting new people and making a connection with them. For example, I once got talking to a lady whose grandson was terminally ill. After he sadly passed away, she came into the shop to tell me and she still comes in now. It’s nice to think you’re helping in some way, just by being friendly and talking. I find that very satisfying and rewarding.

I started volunteering for EACH after losing my husband. It’s something I wanted to do because I’ve never been one to sit around. I was ready to get back in the swing of things. Having been shielding with my husband for so long, I was a bit nervous to start with but being in the shop undoubtedly helped. It gave me a bit of confidence back. Since volunteering Kath has now secured a role with EACH as a relief retail manager.

Vanessa has a special bond with EACH as her grandson Joseph, who turns 14 next month, continues to receive care at our Milton hospice. When it comes to volunteering she says, I get so much from it and would recommend it to anyone. I can understand people might be nervous to start with but there are so many different roles and jobs. I’ll do anything that helps and it’s always a fun, busy environment. It’s very much a case of the more the merrier and we always need more volunteers!