A much-valued volunteer whose dedication is shaped by personal experience is encouraging others to follow her lead and help make a difference to families receiving support from East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH).
Pam Baker started volunteering at EACH’s Bungay shop just a couple of weeks before it officially opened and recently celebrated ten years of service, receiving a special volunteer badge in recognition of her commitment.
The 80-year-old undertakes a variety of roles, particularly helping with bric-a-brac, and serves as a Volunteer Duty Manager, stepping in to support Shop Manager Ian Cossar.
Having retired a couple of years before joining the team, Pam was looking for a meaningful way to spend her time.
“Both of my parents had sadly died, so I had more time on my hands and wanted to put it to good use,” she said.
“I love the social side of volunteering and enjoy meeting new people.
“I’m still in touch with volunteers who have since left the shop. We still meet for coffee, so it’s a great way of making friends.
“It also feels great to do something useful with my time.”
Pam, who lives on the outskirts of Ellingham, worked as a physiotherapist before retiring, including roles at a children’s hospital in Aberdeen and spending 15 years at the James Paget University Hospital, near Great Yarmouth.
Her passion for EACH’s work is also shaped by personal experience. Pam and husband John lost their daughter, Karen, when she was just seven months old in the early 1970s.
Born with a severe heart deformity, Karen died at a time when children’s hospice services did not exist in the way they do today.
“My husband worked away, and I had my son to look after, so it was a very difficult time,” said Pam.
“Fortunately, my mother-in-law helped a lot, but I’ve thought since that it would have been nice to have the support of a children’s hospice.
“Such a thing didn’t exist at that time, certainly to the best of my knowledge, but I feel it would have made a real difference.
“EACH is a fantastic cause to support, and it’s a pleasure doing something so incredibly rewarding and meaningful.
“I have such admiration for what the charity does, providing care to children but also supporting entire families.
“From a parent’s perspective, it must be great to have some respite and that means they might be able to spend time with other siblings, which could otherwise be difficult.”
Pam is now encouraging others to consider becoming volunteers and experience the same sense of purpose and community she has enjoyed over the past decade.
“People lead busy lives, but volunteering is certainly something I’d recommend to anyone,” she said.
“You can make new friends, learn new skills and be part of something very special, all while helping a fantastic cause.”
Shop Manager Ian said he is always keen to hear from more people interested in joining his volunteer team.
“Pam has been an incredible member of our team since day one and we’re enormously grateful for everything she has done over the last ten years,” he said.
“Volunteers like her help make our shop such a welcoming and successful place.
“We’d love to hear from anyone who can spare a few hours a week. Whether you’re looking to meet new people, gain experience, use existing skills or simply give something back, there’s a role for everyone and you’d be making a real difference to the families we support.”
To find out more about volunteering in Bungay, pop in for a chat or call 01986 896092. Alternatively, click here or head to the volunteering section on EACH’s website.
Pam is pictured on the right with fellow volunteer Sister Elizabeth Oldman.
