A Letter to the editor – recognising our volunteers

To the editor,

During Volunteers’ Fortnight (1-12 June), Keech Hospice Care would like to say a big thank you to all of our 1,500 volunteers.

In Bedfordshire 932, Hertfordshire 446 and Milton Keynes 77 volunteers generously give their free time to support Keech Hospice Care in different ways, including in our Keech Hospice shops, visiting patients in their home at a time of their lives they need it most, fundraising and keeping our gardens at the hospice looking so beautiful.

Many people do not realise that if we had to pay all of our volunteers, Keech Hospice Care would not be able to survive. We thoroughly appreciate the dedication, time and gold standard of volunteering people of all ages give to us.

By sharing their skills, companionship and most of all their compassion, Keech Hospice Care’s volunteers bring something very special to the experience of hospice care for both terminally ill adults, children and their families.

Whether they are providing a massage, companionship or supporting someone to cope with the loss of a loved one, Keech Hospice Care volunteers provide a comforting and life-affirming presence during challenging times.

Our community is a more compassionate place because of their service. Volunteers put the best of human kindness into action and Keech Hospice Care, along with Hospice UK, our patients and families are immensely grateful for their support.

Yours

Mark Louisy, Volunteer Lead at Keech Hospice Care.