After many years of dedicated volunteering at St Margaret’s, twin sisters Lynne and Lesley are stepping back from their roles on the Taunton In-Patient Unit. It’s a bittersweet goodbye to a place and a purpose that has meant so much.
“We’ve only had to give up because of health reasons,” says Lynne. “Otherwise, we’d be plodding on ‘til our 90s!”
Lynne’s connection to St Margaret’s began over two decades ago when her husband, Ian, was cared for on the ward. “The care and support that Ian and I both received was nothing short of amazing,” says Lynne. Ten years later, feeling ready to give back, she began volunteering.
I always felt that I would like to help them out and thank them for everything they did for us. It was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.”Lynne
Lynne has now been volunteering for 11 years. Her twin sister Lesley joined her three years later, after witnessing the care her brother-in-law, and other close friends, had received.
Not long after she started, Lesley’s husband, Brian, was diagnosed with lung cancer. He was cared for at home by the St Margaret’s community team, and died at home five years ago. “It was comforting to go back to volunteering after Brian died,” she reflects. “It reminded me I wasn’t the only one who’d lost someone.”
The sisters worked side by side on the ward. “Just to be with the patients and take them anything they need,” says Lesley.
“And chat with them,” Lynne adds, “if they feel up to chatting.”
“So often, they do just want somebody to talk to,” Lesley agrees. “We’re not nurses, but we can offer other things, other comforts.
It’s a bit special, I think, to give somebody that comfort so they don’t feel alone.”Lesley
That warmth extended to relatives and loved ones, too. “You can empathise with people,” says Lynne. “You know exactly the feelings they’re going through. Until you’ve faced that, you don’t know.”
Volunteering for Lynne and Lesley was never just about tasks. Yes, they changed water jugs, made tea and coffee, delivered lunches – “Don’t forget the biscuits!” Lesley laughs – but it was the human touch that mattered most.
“You go in cheerfully,” says Lynne. “You can suss out what’s needed – a smile, or just quiet understanding. You don’t need to be an expert for that. But I think patients often appreciate a happy face going in.”
That compassionate, personalised approach reflects the heart of St Margaret’s. “When someone first comes in, they’re frightened,” Lynne says. “Because they look on it as a place to die.”
“But it’s not,” says Lesley. “It’s a place to be cared for through difficult times.”
Their unwavering dedication never went unnoticed. “The staff make you feel so welcome,” says Lynne. “They thank you all the time. Because if we’re not there to do it, they have to do it, and therefore they can’t be getting on with their nursing duties quite the same.”
Lesley agrees; “It makes you feel very loved actually.”
The sisters have been an invaluable part of the team, and as they step back, they urge others to get involved. “I’d encourage anybody to volunteer,” says Lynne. “Because you get so much from it. It’s very rewarding.”
At St Margaret’s, more than 900 volunteers play a vital role in ensuring care, comfort, and connection is provided to patients and families across Somerset. Lynne and Lesley’s story is a shining example of how much of a difference time, care, and empathy can make.
As they say farewell, we thank them from the bottom of our hearts. Their kindness has touched countless lives, and we hope their story will continue to inspire others to take the time to care – for those who need it most.