Meet Richard...

Richard Taylor from Jesmond has been a volunteer at St Oswald’s Hospice since 2011, not long after he retired. Richard joined as a volunteer mini bus driver but due to Covid-19 he switched roles and has recently been working in our Gosforth shop. In the Autumn of 2021 Richard decided to take the next step in his St Oswald’s journey and applied to become a Trustee. Richard tells us more:

“In 2011 I retired from being an accountant and one of the first things I did was apply for a volunteer role at the Hospice. I have loved my Friday voluntary work ever since. Mainly I’ve been a Volunteer Minibus Driver, bringing patients in for day treatment, taking them to the hospital or on trips out, picking up collection boxes and delivering medical garments. However, with limited minibus activity at present due to the pandemic, I’ve taken on a new role at the Hospice’s shop on Gosforth High Street. The shops were desperate for volunteers so I was happy to try something new: Mary, Lisa and their team have been very welcoming.

“Volunteering keeps me active, I feel useful and I’ve met so many new people over the years. Being part of the team of drivers is great and I know the patients really appreciate what we do. I find it very rewarding. Volunteering in the shop has given me a new experience and meant I was able to continue volunteering when the driving role was put on hold.

“A few months back I saw that the Hospice needed a new Trustee and was specifically looking for someone who was an existing volunteer. I spoke to a friend who had previously been on the Board of Trustees and he encouraged me to go for it. He felt my experience and knowledge would be useful to the Hospice.

“So far I’ve only attended one meeting as an observer so I’m really looking forward to using my financial and management knowledge to contribute and benefit the Hospice. St Oswald’s Hospice provide such an important service and I’m thrilled to be taking on this new role”

Thank you to Richard for your commitment, advice and donating your time.