"I spent ten years volunteering at two of the Newcastle based shops, which I thoroughly enjoyed and I made some lifelong friends."

Carol Palmer from near Corbridge recently received her 30 year Long Service Award. Carol started her St Oswald’s journey volunteering in our retail shops, which she enjoyed for ten years before joining our team of Fundraising volunteers in 2000. Carol tells us more:

“I first started volunteering in one of the Hospice’s Newcastle based shops as my friend sadly died at St Oswald’s so I decided I wanted to give something back. I witnessed first-hand the care, compassion and kindness she was shown and the team really impressed me. I’ve been supporting the Hospice ever since then.

“I spent ten years volunteering at two of the Newcastle based shops, which I thoroughly enjoyed and I made some lifelong friends. I enjoyed meeting the customers and we had many regulars who came in mainly for a chat.

“Since joining the Fundraising Team 20 years ago I’ve worked with some fantastic people. Staff and volunteers come and go but everyone is always so friendly, kind and caring. I class myself as the ‘oldest Office Junior in Newcastle’ as I’m happy to help with anything they need me to. I pack hampers, post letters, make phone calls, help out at events and whatever else they need assistance with.

“I thoroughly look forward to my Monday afternoons at the Hospice and I’m really missing being able to volunteer at the minute, due to Covid-19. When I’m volunteering I feel so valued, the Hospice genuinely care about their volunteers, as well as the patients.

“I’m very proud to be receiving my 30 year Long Service Award and can’t wait to return to the Hospice, when it is safe to do so. St Oswald’s is extremely close to my heart, I believe they do tremendous work and are embedded into the North East community. Being a Hospice volunteer is so worthwhile as well as very enjoyable.”