Janet, Volunteer Gardener

My St Gemma’s journey started 13 years ago working as a corporate volunteer in the gardens. I knew what St Gemma’s did but at that stage had never got under the skin of what volunteering would mean to me.

I then experienced the great care St Gemma’s gave my late father; the care was exceptional and this inspired me to give more back to St Gemma’s.

Since then it’s been a privilege to work in the gardens, you really get a true perspective of what the gardens mean to both the patients and their families. The garden provides a place for quiet contemplation of lives well lived and loved.

I never appreciated that the gardens are an oasis for all during turbulent times. It’s great that we can also support patients who want to help with tasks around the garden and in the greenhouse. I like to think that our work provides some extra support to all.

I am privileged to be one of the many volunteers; it’s like being in one big extended family. I have made many great friends and have tried to give a bit back to St Gemma’s, a wonderful and inspiring organisation.

I cannot recommend volunteering for St Gemma’s highly enough, it’s great, it feeds the soul and makes you a better person, and helps you to put your busy lives in perspective.

Join Janet and become a volunteer today by visiting https://www.st-gemma.co.uk/volunteering