A long-serving volunteer was “proud, honoured and moved” after being asked to cut the ribbon at a new charity shop in Felixstowe.
East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH) is taking up residence at the former NatWest bank, on the corner of Hamilton Road and York Road.
It currently trades in smaller premises across the road and has been there since November 2012.
However, the new shop is being unveiled next Thursday (20th June) and Sue Buckley is one of the people taking part in the grand unveiling, at 10am.
She started volunteering for EACH in January 2013, shortly after the Felixstowe shop opened in November 2012.
“I’m looking forward to the big day,” she said.
“It’s exciting for us all and when I was asked to cut the ribbon, I felt proud and honoured. I actually felt quite moved.
“In terms of volunteering, every little helps and, as well as giving something, I also get plenty back. It’s enjoyable and the others here are great company.
“I’ve met some lovely people and, when you retire, taking an opportunity like this keeps you out there in the world.
“It’s a way to meet new people and stay connecting, within a very pleasant and supportive environment.”
Sue got the bug for volunteering while supporting St Helena Hospice, in Colchester.
She was impressed by the exceptional care both parents received and, in her own words, ‘developed a feeling for the hospice movement’.
She also has personal reasons for supporting a children’s hospice as grandson Jamie died nearly 30 years ago. He was three and had a rare form of Muscular Dystrophy.
“Volunteering here has made me realise how much we would have benefitted from a children’s hospice,” said Sue, who lives in Felixstowe.
“Unfortunately, there wasn’t anything locally at that time.
“However, the support would have made such a difference – not just to my daughter and son-in-law but also myself and my late husband, as grandparents.
“EACH is there for the whole family, including siblings, and it’s an amazing organisation.
“Obviously, I have experience of how it feels to have a child, or grandson, in my case, with a life-threatening condition and that’s why I wanted to give something back.
“I wanted to be in a position to try and help other families going through similar things.”
Sue, who has two daughters and five grandchildren, has been given a tour of The Treehouse, in Ipswich.
“I remember thinking how much Jamie would have loved it, especially the colours in the sensory room,” she said.
“Spending time there crystallised why it’s so important to volunteer, because it reminded me why I do what I do.
“My experiences mean I can relate to it and people often have a misconception about a children’s hospice.
“They think they’re sad places, but that isn’t always the case. Often they’re full of life, happiness and laughter.”
The current EACH shop is due to close on Saturday (15th June).
Donations can be dropped there until then and the current team of long-standing volunteers will continue to help in the new premises.
However, extra help is always needed and new volunteers are welcome.
A special open day is taking place at the new shop between 10am and 4pm on Thursday (13th June).
Anyone unable to attend, but keen to find out more, can pop in for a chat anytime, email manager Haze Selby-Dee via Haze.Dee@each.org.uk or call 01394 279224.
In addition to Felixstowe, there are 13 more in Suffolk, in Beccles, Bungay, Bury St Edmunds, Framlingham, Hadleigh, Halesworth, Ipswich (Meredith Road and Felixstowe Road), Leiston, Lowestoft, Saxmundham, Sudbury and Woodbridge.
To find out more about volunteering at any of the above, pop into your local shop, visit each.org.uk/volunteering, email volunteering@each.org.uk or call 01223 205183 (option four).
