Mike’s Story

Still volunteering – 48 years later!

When we recently caught up with Mike, one of St Gemma’s longest-serving volunteers, it was clear just how deeply his story is connected to the history of the hospice.

Mike’s journey began nearly five decades ago, when the St Gemma’s site was very different. Inspired by a Woman’s Hour programme highlighting the experiences of people living with cancer, the Sisters of the Cross and Passion made a remarkable decision to create a hospice caring for terminally-ill patients and their families.

Mike was there at the very beginning.

He played an active role in early fundraising for the first 9-bed ward, even collecting donations on plates at a town hall meeting alongside the Lord Mayor. He remembers the strong response from the local community, with people and businesses stepping forward with generosity and belief in what St Gemma’s could become.

That sense of community stayed with him. For decades, Mike travelled to local groups, sharing the story of St Gemma’s, thanking supporters, and helping others understand the impact of hospice care. He only stepped back from this role last year.

But fundraising was only part of his contribution.

Alongside this, Mike volunteered on reception, welcoming patients and visitors with warmth and kindness. He also helped organise the security team, at one point personally checking all 33 doors to ensure the building was safe. He did all of this while working full time, often covering weekends and holidays.

His compassion was evident in the smallest moments. One Christmas Eve, a patient arrived late, hungry and tired. Mike made them a meal. He later received a Christmas card for many years from the patient’s family, something that has stayed with him ever since.

His connection to faith also led him to care for the chapel, a role he continues today. Each week, Mike still comes in to keep it tidy and help arrange services. He has also served as a Eucharistic Minister, bringing communion to patients when needed.

Over the years, Mike has been involved in so many parts of St Gemma’s life, from organising the raffle when tickets were handwritten, to supporting the Pony Club, helping run the very first hospice shop, and assisting with early newsletters produced by hand, envelope and stamp.

He has seen the hospice grow and change over the years, from the gardens and teams to the services offered, always underpinned by the same compassion and care.

Mike also recalls the incredible community support over the years, including visits from the Duchess of Kent, Princess Alexandra and Princess Diana.

Despite all these milestones, what stands out most to Mike is the people. The friendships made, the volunteers he still sees, and the thousands of supporters who have given their time and generosity over the years, whether at events or collections at places like M&S (where, he jokes, they now make sure he has a chair!).

After 48 years, Mike’s contribution to St Gemma’s is extraordinary. He has helped raise funds, supported patients and visitors, built lasting connections, and become a keeper of the hospice’s history.

As our conversation with Mike came to a close, he shared one final detail. At the hospice’s 25th anniversary, a commemorative candle was lit. Mike has kept it ever since, with plans to relight it at St Gemma’s 50th anniversary.

Thank you, Mike, for 48 incredible years and counting.