Sally’s Story

My name is Sally, and I’ve been volunteering at Moortown for about nine years.

What inspired you to start volunteering?
I moved up from London in 1992 to work with the Department of Health, and I remember there being a fundraising event for St Gemma’s, that’s how I first became aware of the hospice. My daughter Kate had just finished her A-levels, so I suggested she might like to volunteer before going off to university. She said, “Well, I will if you will!”, she called my bluff, and so we both started together.

It turned out to be a fantastic summer. Kate learned so much, and when she went to university, she was able to get a job in a local restaurant because she already had customer service and till experience. It really set her up well.

Kate eventually left, but I loved it so much but because I’d retired in 2017, I decided to carry on. It’s such good fun volunteering at Moortown.

About seven or eight years ago, my husband David happened to come into the shop just as we were saying how much we needed another volunteer van driver, and, as luck would have it, he signed up! He’s been a volunteer driver since, so now we’re all involved.

What does a typical volunteering session look like for you?
Because I’ve been here a long time, I tend to do a bit of everything, accepting donations, checking Gift Aid, steaming, tagging, and organising stock. It keeps you busy, and the time just flies by.

What is your favourite part of volunteering?
I absolutely love the social side of it, seeing the regular volunteers and our regular customers. It’s a real joy.

What might people not realise about your role?
I don’t think people realise just how much happens behind the scenes. Donations come in constantly, especially during school holidays, and it can be incredibly busy.

How has volunteering made you feel?
When I retired, I thought volunteering might give me and my daughter a bit of purpose for a short time, but I quickly became very involved and engaged with the team. I’ve learned new skills along the way, too. I love how the young Duke of Edinburgh volunteers have taught me things like Google Lens, and I really enjoy chatting with them about technology, fashion, and their perspectives. It’s been such a pleasure working alongside younger volunteers.

How has volunteering changed things for you personally?
The social aspect has been amazing. I’ve built a whole new network of friends from all backgrounds, people I never would have met otherwise.

How would you describe the people you volunteer with?
Very different, great fun to be around, and incredibly supportive. We look after one another and help each other through all sorts of celebrations and hiccups in our lives.

Have there been any challenges?
The volume of donations can be a challenge, it’s a pleasure, of course, but it can be hard work at times. Also, collecting Gift Aid information can be tricky when people are in a rush, and the tablet only works properly in certain spots! But we muddle through and make it work.

What keeps you coming back?
The friendships, the sociability, and teamwork, just enjoying being together in the shop.

What would you say to someone thinking about volunteering?
Give it a go, it could turn out to be far more enjoyable than you could ever imagine.

Do you think volunteering is important?
I was brought up to believe in giving back, and I do think there’s a real sense of responsibility in that. Beyond that, I genuinely love what I do. It’s for a fantastic cause, St Gemma’s Hospice, and it also supports sustainability and the local community.

If you could sum up your experience in one sentence?
It’s a wonderful mix of fun, friendship, and giving back to your community, plus a little guilt-free, sustainable shopping!