Jane Ellaby, Meals Assistant Volunteer

Jane first came to Ashgate in 2015 after being diagnosed with breast cancer and referred to the hospice’s lymphoedema clinic.  

“They helped me resolve the problem and made me realise just how many ways Ashgate supports people,” Jane said.  

Wanting to give back, Jane has now volunteered every Wednesday evening for over nine years.  

“My view on end of life care has changed completely. It’s not something to fear – it’s about comfort, dignity and making the most of the time people have left.” 

David Dickens, Ward Assistant and Meal Assistant Volunteer

David has been supporting patients at mealtimes and helping with general care for over five years. His own experience of caring for family members led him to volunteer. 

“I want to help people in general,” he said. “I like to make patients feel comfortable and more at ease.  

“It’s rewarding to see the incredible work the nursing team does and be part of the hospice community.” 

David encourages others to volunteer: “Just do it! We are open, inclusive, and you’ll be given all the training and support you need. We’re friendly and have good laughs to lift each other’s spirits.” 

Kathleen White, Meals Assistant Volunteer

Kathleen has volunteered at Ashgate for over 37 years, serving evening suppers to patients and offering a helping hand wherever needed. 

She first got involved in 1988, just after the hospice opened. 

“I get a lot of satisfaction out of making people smile here,” she said. “People think it’s a sad place, but I don’t feel that it is.  

“There are some sad moments, but you know they have been so well looked after in every way.” 

Kathleen added: “I really enjoy the interaction with the patients and the staff. The catering team is fantastic.” 

Georgia Crapper, Activity and Engagement Volunteer

Georgia began volunteering at Ashgate after her mum, Christine, was cared for by the hospice in 2022.  

“Ashgate looked after the most important person in my world,” said Georgia. “Becoming a volunteer felt like a natural next step.”  

Whether she’s chatting with patients, helping with meals, or taking the sweets and treats trolley around the ward, Georgia brings warmth and kindness to every shift.  

“Ashgate quite literally saved my life,” she said. “Giving something back here has given me purpose again.” 

Terry Neal, Meal Assistant Volunteer

Terry started volunteering after retiring and moving from Brighton to Chesterfield. 

A former senior nurse manager in hospitals and prisons, he brings strong compassion and calm to every shift. 

“I thoroughly enjoy taking the sweets and treats trolley around and interacting with patients, visitors and staff,” he said.  

“Volunteering gives me purpose and structure, and I love offering patients non-clinical support that they really appreciate.” 

Terry encourages others to volunteer: “It’s a two-way process that benefits everyone concerned.” 

Shirley Thomas, Activity and Engagement Volunteer

Shirley gives her time every Wednesday afternoon, connecting with patients through stories and conversation.   

After both a friend and a relative died at Ashgate, she wanted to give something back. 

“I get a lot of satisfaction from listening to patients’ stories and helping them open up about their lives. 

“What I enjoy most is the lovely support – it makes me feel that I can achieve things here.” 

With a background in teaching and hospital administration, Shirley brings patience and kindness to her role.  

She encourages others thinking of volunteering: “Definitely do it, because there will be a niche somewhere that you can fill.” 

Ellie Rhodes and Luna, Pets As Therapy volunteers

Ellie visits the Inpatient Unit once a week  with her cocker spaniel, Luna, spreading smiles and offering a gentle break in people’s days. 

“Our duty is to cheer people up!” Ellie said. “We visit patients in their rooms, chat with staff, and offer a little break from their day.  

“Being able to share my dog, who my family loves so much, is so lovely!” 

She added: “It’s so rewarding to support such an amazing cause. I always come away feeling like I’ve made a small difference.”

David Heald, Meals Assistant Volunteer

David volunteers on Friday afternoons, offering drinks, tidying up and – most importantly – making time to listen.  

Inspired by the care his mother received at another hospice, David wanted to give something back.  

“It’s about doing something worthwhile that makes a difference,” he said.  

With a background in special needs education, he brings empathy and sensitivity to every shift.  

“Volunteering reminds me how fortunate I am,” David added. “Every conversation, every small act – it all matters.  

“No two days are the same, but every shift reminds me what really matters. It’s an honour to be here.” 

Lynn Bennett, Meals Assistant Volunteer

After her husband Keith died at Ashgate in 2023, Lynn returned to the hospice in a new role. She now volunteers twice a week at mealtimes. 

“Every time I enter a room I can empathise with the patient and their family – I’ve sat in their position. I know how it feels,” she said.  

Although stepping back onto the ward was daunting at first, it quickly felt right. 

“From the moment I put my uniform on; the drive to the hospice, arriving in the car park, then entering the building – it feels like a giant hug. 

“Volunteering at Ashgate gives me purpose and it feels like a place of real comfort for me.”