Three volunteers with combined age of 243

24 March 2025 | View all news

Cynthia Baggott, 90, Pat Hughes, 83 and Dianne Powell, 70, are all volunteers at our Hednesford shop with Cynthia and Pat having volunteered for us for an amazing 24 years each.

Dianne was made redundant from her retail job aged 66 but found she was bored so decided to volunteer for us.

She said: “When I was made redundant, I felt like I had hit a brick wall and needed something to do. I now volunteer three days a week and absolutely love it.

“I get so much pleasure from volunteering as the team are amazing and, because I am a people person and a chatter box, I love the customers and they love me.”

“Volunteering has given us new lease of life”

Cynthia – who has won awards for her window displays in the Hednesford shop – said: “I nursed a friend for many years who had cancer.

“When she died, I felt like I wanted to give something back and I now volunteer in the shop on a Tuesday morning.

“I get a lot of satisfaction from helping the community. Volunteering has given us a new lease of life.”

And Pat, who worked in the 100-year-old family butcher’s business, found herself with nothing to do when the business closed down.

She said: “I was so bored. Volunteering seemed like the perfect solution and I enjoy it very much. I like to interact with the customers and give something back to the community.”

By volunteering for us you will not only get the chance to make new friends, but you will also be giving something back and improving your confidence.

“Volunteering is great because it allows you to give back to your community”

Our Retail Team is particularly in need of additional volunteers for our stores in and around Leek, Cannock and Norton Bridge. No experience is necessary as full training will be provided.

We have 14 shops which last year, brought in £1.6 million, so every time you donate or shop you’re helping us provide compassionate care and emotional support for thousands of people, every year – and last year we helped 2,000 patients and their families.

Dave Hall, Retail Support Manager, said: “Our shop volunteers are the unsung heroes who not only give their time but help weave a community of kindness and generosity.

“They turn second-hand goods into life-changing support, proving that the smallest acts of giving can create the biggest impact.

“Volunteering is great because it allows you to give back to your community, make a real difference in the lives of others, and develop a sense of purpose.

“Volunteering fosters empathy, build connections, and strengthens social bonds. Plus, it offers opportunities for personal growth, skill development, and can even improve mental health well-being by creating a sense of accomplishment and fulfilment.”

To volunteer for us contact our Voluntary Services team on 01785 254645 or email us at voluntaryservices@khhospice.org.uk for more details.