I quickly realised how much of a worthy charity they are and how much they help people just when they need it the most.
My volunteering journey started when my wife started working for the charity 5 years ago. I have two older brothers, and my eldest brother passed away about three years ago now from lung cancer. Unfortunately, when he was diagnosed his cancer had spread throughout his body, so he declined treatment as he didn’t think it was worth all the hassle. I always believe that if he had pursued treatment, he would have benefited from using the unit which visits our local hospital as it would have made the journey more tolerable, and his widow could have supported him in the short journey as opposed to travelling over 40 miles to our main hospital.
I hadn’t heard of Hope for Tomorrow previously, but I quickly realised how much of a worthy charity they are and how much they help people just when they need it the most. I wanted to support them and help them grow. I am 63 and now run my own business. It wasn’t until the Covid pandemic hit and I was furloughed that I really thought about starting my own business and having that level of flexibility back into my life. Ultimately it was the best decision for me and my family and now it allows me time and resources to be able to give back.
By volunteering, I can give the charity my time and knowledge without costing them money and I feel extremely proud to be part of such a worthwhile cause. After seeing my brother suffer, I wanted to help other cancer patients who are going through such a terrible journey to have a nicer experience, and the mobile cancer care units aid their recovery.
Until cancer touches your life, you have no idea the true impact it has on patients, their families and friends. It is truly heart-breaking. By volunteering I know I am working alongside the staff, NHS and other teams involved in keeping Hope for Tomorrow running to help improve the lives of cancer sufferers. Since becoming a volunteer, I have been able to get involved with local businesses, community festivals, gala dinners and so much more. I enjoy every experience that is offered to me, it might seem small to some people going and collecting a donation tin, or even dropping another one off somewhere else, but every donation provides Hope for Tomorrow with the valuable income they need, as well as promoting the charity.
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.
