I love volunteering as it has allowed me to continue to contribute to cancer care and that really matters to me.
I began volunteering for Hope for Tomorrow over a decade ago now. I was initially part of the hospital team that made the case for having a mobile cancer care unit in Lincolnshire back in 2014 and ever since I retired, I have chosen to volunteer for Hope for Tomorrow. I am a retired consultant oncologist in the very rural county of Lincolnshire, so I know all too well from treating patients how difficult it is for them to access the hospitals for their cancer treatments
I volunteer for Hope for Tomorrow because I really believe in what they do. The units are a practical well-thought-out solution and Hope for Tomorrow launched the world’s first mobile cancer care unit back in 2007.
Lincolnshire is not only a very rural county, but its public transport network and poor infrastructure are limited and therefore, patients have to drive or be driven long distances for treatment. When I was working as a consultant oncologist, I was very aware of what an extra burden this was on people, on top of already having to endure cancer treatment.
I have spent my entire working life as a doctor and almost all that time was spent specifically working in oncology. My professional career was very hands-on, and it was about helping and supporting patients through the worst times of their lives. So, when I retired, it was natural for me to look for a volunteering role in the healthcare sector, and because Elaine, Lincolnshire’s unit was launched just before I retired, Hope for Tomorrow was the obvious charity of choice.
What I love the most is talking to people about the charity and what it does, I think that is where my passion comes across.
Most people who hear me speak about the charity are amazed that there is no government funding and haven’t heard of Hope for Tomorrow before, so the awareness raising that I do is really important. Some of the people I have spoken to over the years have gone on to organise fundraising events themselves, so there is a definite ripple effect. Everyone immediately understands why the charity is important, it isn’t something that needs a lot of explaining. Sometimes I am asked to go to groups to collect funds or give presentations, it is lovely to be able to give fundraisers that personal presence and thank them for their contributions – I think it goes a long way.
I love volunteering as it has allowed me to continue to contribute to cancer care and that really matters to me.
I began volunteering for Hope for Tomorrow over a decade ago now. I was initially part of the hospital team that made the case for having a mobile cancer care unit in Lincolnshire back in 2014 and ever since I retired, I have chosen to volunteer for Hope for Tomorrow. I am a retired consultant oncologist in the very rural county of Lincolnshire, so I know all too well from treating patients how difficult it is for them to access the hospitals for their cancer treatments
I volunteer for Hope for Tomorrow because I really believe in what they do. The units are a practical well-thought-out solution and Hope for Tomorrow launched the world’s first mobile cancer care unit back in 2007.
Lincolnshire is not only a very rural county, but its public transport network and poor infrastructure are limited and therefore, patients have to drive or be driven long distances for treatment. When I was working as a consultant oncologist, I was very aware of what an extra burden this was on people, on top of already having to endure cancer treatment.
I have spent my entire working life as a doctor and almost all that time was spent specifically working in oncology. My professional career was very hands-on, and it was about helping and supporting patients through the worst times of their lives. So, when I retired, it was natural for me to look for a volunteering role in the healthcare sector, and because Elaine, Lincolnshire’s unit was launched just before I retired, Hope for Tomorrow was the obvious charity of choice.
What I love the most is talking to people about the charity and what it does, I think that is where my passion comes across.
Most people who hear me speak about the charity are amazed that there is no Government funding and haven’t heard of Hope for Tomorrow before, so the awareness raising that I do is really important. Some of the people I have spoken to over the years have gone on to organise fundraising events themselves, so there is a definite ripple effect. Everyone immediately understands why the charity is important, it isn’t something that needs a lot of explaining. Sometimes I am asked to go to groups to collect funds or give presentations, it is lovely to be able to give fundraisers that personal presence and thank them for their contributions – I think it goes a long way.
Because I have spent years treating people with cancer, I have seen first-hand the toll it takes. It matters a huge amount to me to know that patients are able to have some of the stresses of cancer treatment removed by not having to travel huge distances to and from the hospital and potentially, then having to spend numerous hours or all day there.
I love volunteering as it has allowed me to continue to contribute to cancer care and that really matters to me. My advice to anyone thinking about volunteering for Hope for Tomorrow, go ahead and do it! There is no fixed commitment, and people can volunteer in different ways that suit them, you don’t find that in a lot of places. There is always lots of support available from the team and you don’t have to do it on your own.
Hope for Tomorrow is dedicated to growing and nurturing our volunteers in their roles. Our volunteers are an extension of our team and allow us to concentrate on the other activities that keep the charity going and supporting patients. Our volunteers are there when we cannot be and that allows us to ensure that our funds continue to be spent as wisely as possible.
Would you like to volunteer with Hope for Tomorrow? Click below to find out more.
Because I have spent years treating people with cancer, I have seen first-hand the toll it takes. It matters a huge amount to me to know that patients are able to have some of the stresses of cancer treatment removed by not having to travel huge distances to and from the hospital and potentially, then having to spend numerous hours or all day there.
Hope for Tomorrow is dedicated to growing and nurturing our volunteers in their roles. Our volunteers are an extension of our team and allow us to concentrate on the other activities that keep the charity going and supporting patients. Our volunteers are there when we cannot be and that allows us to ensure that our funds continue to be spent as wisely as possible.
I love volunteering as it has allowed me to continue to contribute to cancer care and that really matters to me. My advice to anyone thinking about volunteering for Hope for Tomorrow, go ahead and do it! There is no fixed commitment, and people can volunteer in different ways that suit them, you don’t find that in a lot of places. There is always lots of support available from the team and you don’t have to do it on your own.
Would you like to volunteer with Hope for Tomorrow? Click below to find out more.
