A grandmother whose family received years of care and support from East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH) is encouraging others to join her in volunteering at the charity’s Ely shop.
Hazel Brown, 75, has been lending a hand in the High Street store since it opened in October 2018.
She says helping out is her way of thanking the charity for everything it did for her family.
Hazel’s granddaughter, Lucy Johnson, received care and support at EACH’s hospice in Milton from the age of two after being diagnosed with Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome (LGS) – a severe form of childhood-onset epilepsy. Lucy died in April 2018, aged 12.
Just six months later, when the Ely shop officially opened, the ribbon was cut by Lucy’s twin brother, Liam, now 20, who had earlier raised an incredible £23,500 for EACH by organising a football match at Soham Town Rangers.
Lucy’s parents, Sharon and Andrew, have also supported the charity through fundraising events, including taking part in EACH’s King’s Lynn Bubble Rush.
Now Hazel is sharing her own story to encourage more people to join the volunteer team during a two-week recruitment campaign running exclusively at the Ely shop.
“We still miss our little girl terribly, and that’s why I’m here to this day. It’s my way of saying thank you,” she said.
“EACH has been part of our lives for 20 years, ever since Lucy was two and started receiving care at Milton.
“She enjoyed short breaks there, which meant her parents – my daughter and son-in-law – were able to draw breath and spend time with Liam and Katie.
“The team were also there for us when it came to end-of-life care.
“Lucy spent three weeks at the hospice, and we were able to have lots of precious time together, including with members of our wider family.
“We felt incredibly well looked after and there was so much support for Liam and Katie. The staff were so kind, caring and compassionate.”
Hazel volunteers every Monday and Thursday morning and says the role has become an important part of her life.
“I love having the opportunity to give something back, given everything the charity did for our family,” she said.
“I’ve met so many wonderful people through volunteering.
“It keeps me going and gives me something to focus on, rather than sitting at home.
“I particularly love being on the till and serving customers because I enjoy interacting with the public.
“I’m proud of our shop. It’s lovely and everyone is so friendly. It’s such a welcoming environment.
“I’d encourage anyone to give volunteering here a go.”
The Ely shop, on High Street, has gone from strength to strength since opening in October 2018.
Its launch attracted huge interest, with the shop taking more than £1,500 in its first hour of trading, including the sale of 33 items of clothing donated by music megastar and EACH Ambassador Ed Sheeran.
EACH’s retail operation continues to grow and relies on volunteers to help raise the funds needed to support families across East Anglia.
There are a wide variety of volunteer roles available to suit different skills and interests, including serving customers, sorting and pricing donations, dressing windows, steaming clothes, testing electrical items and listing products on eBay.
“Hazel has been part of the Ely shop team since day one and is a wonderful example of the difference volunteers make,” said EACH Relief Shop and Cluster Manager Sue Mitson.
“We’d love to welcome more people to join our friendly team.
“Whether you can spare a couple of hours a week or more, every volunteer helps us continue providing vital care and support for children, young people and families across East Anglia.”
Anyone interested in volunteering at the Ely shop is welcome to pop in for a chat, call 01353 888881 or email VolunteerServices@each.org.uk
