When Kit Whiteley first stepped through the doors of St Margaret’s Hospice more than three decades ago, she had no idea how much to would come to mean to her. What began as a simple act of kindness – filling spare time after work – has grown into a lifelong commitment to supporting others.
“I’ve been working for the hospice for some time now, volunteering in various roles,” says Kit with a smile. “This will be my 32nd year of volunteering with the hospice!”
She started out helping out on the wards in the evenings. “My eldest son was going to Cubs, so I had a bit of time, and I thought, I’ll do something with it.”
Kit has worn many volunteering hats over the years, from other hospice-based roles to fundraising events like the Colour Run. “I spent some time in patient and family feedback. I’d sit with them and find out how they felt about the hospice and its services, or generally how much they knew about hospices before they came here.”
Another role Kit has dabbled in was a rather memorable experience. “I’ve also done a bit of flower arranging. Everyone will have probably noticed when I was doing that – because I was actually hopeless!”
But Kit still spent time volunteering on the ward, up until she had to undergo a knee operation. “I was a bit worried about throwing hot soup or something over somebody,” she jokes, “so I decided that maybe I needed to do something slightly different until my knee mended.”
That change brought Kit to the Sunflower Centre – our day hospice, where patients come in to relax, take part in activities, connect with others, and receive treatments. Kit quickly found her feet. “I thoroughly enjoyed it. It’s a great team to work with – a lot of fun, a lot of laughter.”
“The first thing we do is say hello to everybody – welcome everyone who is coming in as a day patient, and have a cup of tea and a chat.”
The rest of the day is shaped around the patients, their needs, and their wants. “We find out how they’re feeling and what they would like to do. Sometimes it’s not a lot. Other times, we do artwork, crafts. It could even be flower arranging – my forte, as you know!”
“They also go off for therapies and things. Sometimes they can be reluctant to do them at first, but by the following week, they’re asking for more!”
At its heart, the Sunflower Centre offers something simple and powerful: companionship.
It’s just a really nice place to be. It’s like a little home. We like being together.”Kit
Volunteering – in whatever role – has brought Kit friendship, laughter, and deep fulfilment. She encourages others to come and see what it’s all about.
“If you’ve got time and you like working with people, I can’t think of a better thing to do,” she says. “I know there’s an awful lot of volunteering out there, but the hospice is a great place to volunteer. I work with a tremendous team, both staff and volunteers. From the moment I walk through the door, we have smiles, we have laughter, and the day goes by very, very quickly.”
“I would recommend coming in and talking to somebody, find out what’s available! There’s lots of opportunities – both patient facing and not – but there is something for everyone.”
After more than three decades, Kit’s commitment is stronger than ever – rooted in kindness, joy, and a belief in the difference one person can make.
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