“I have done things I never thought I would do in my 10 years as a volunteer.”

Throughout Volunteers’ Week, we’re spotlighting some of the brilliant individuals who donate their time and energy to Weston Park Cancer Charity.

Today, we’re celebrating Jess – one of our most longstanding volunteers. Jess helped us at our very first Doncaster Race Evening and has lent her sunny disposition to many more events since, including Walk As One and our Charity Golf Day.

We spoke to Jess about her favourite aspects of volunteering and what inspired her to get involved.

How did you become a volunteer?

I became a volunteer after visiting the charity hub, following one of my mum’s appointments at Weston Park Cancer Centre. I had a chat with a member of staff and signed up to help with the charity’s first ever Doncaster Race Evening. I’ve been volunteering ever since! I’ve switched between different roles as needed, but I still volunteer at as many events as I can.

Why did you decide to volunteer for Weston Park Cancer Charity?

I decided to volunteer for the charity because of the care that my mum received from the hospital. It was my way of giving back and saying thank you for treating my mum so well, and for helping our family through one of the worst times we have ever faced.

As a family, we have a lot of experience of cancer; initially, I became a volunteer as a way of doing something to make things better for others. Ten years later, I’m still volunteering because of the immense satisfaction I get from helping the charity.

What do you enjoy most about your role?

I love meeting people and interacting with them – whether that’s talking through shared experiences or explaining what the hospital and the charity do. Sometimes I meet people who are newly diagnosed and feeling scared about being in hospital. It’s nice to be able to reassure them and their family about what the hospital is like and to let them know how the charity can help them.

I really enjoy the fact that no two events are ever the same. I have done things I never thought I would do in my 10 years as a volunteer.

What do you get out of volunteering?

It’s satisfying to know that I’m making a small difference to people experiencing something similar to what my mum and I went through. It’s also amazing to be able to support the hospital and the additional services that are offered through Weston Park Cancer Charity. The staff at the charity are very supportive and understanding, so you get to be part of a lovely team.

Would you recommend volunteering to others?

I would 100% recommend volunteering, especially if you like getting stuck in and meeting new people. It is incredible to know that you are helping to raise money which could fund new diagnostic tests, gentler treatments, and possibly even cures for cancer! The money raised through events also improves the facilities at the hospital and the Charity Hub; every penny is important.

If you would like to become a Weston Park Cancer Charity volunteer, head to: westonpark.org.uk/volunteering or email the team at volunteering@wpcancercharity.org.uk.