Lesley - Fundraising team volunteer

What is your volunteer role at Farleigh Hospice?

I have been volunteering with Farleigh for just over two years. I work as part of the fundraising team, and help out for one day a week on a Friday. There is always plenty to do as the team are always busy planning and organising events. I help with any administrative or others tasks that the team needs me to.

The time that I give frees the team up to focus on bigger event tasks. It can be things like putting wrappers around the collection tins, counting t-shirts and badges, laminating posters and other marketing materials - whatever small but important jobs need doing in the background. I also support with street collections and at fundraising events. It’s really good fun and I really enjoy it.

Why did you decide to work for Farleigh Hospice?

When my dad was in the last few weeks of his life, he was moved from hospital into a private nursing home. I felt that my dad did not receive good care at the end of his life care, like he would have had he been cared for at Farleigh Hospice. I had always supported Farleigh but the main reason that I decided to volunteer was that I wanted to make it so that more people could access
Farleigh’s care. My best friend died last year and she was cared for at home by Farleigh. Her family said they don’t know what they would have done without them, they couldn’t sing their praises enough. When you go out on the street, people are so generous and often when they put money in the collection box, they will tell you how Farleigh have helped somebody that they know or they will share their story and it gets very emotional. Farleigh is a real people’s charity and it’s great to work with a charity with such a good reputation.

What do you enjoy most?

I like working alongside everybody in the fundraising team. There are always several events going on, all at different stages, so it’s an exciting place to be. I enjoy being a part of the organisation and working in the hospice you get a real feeling of what you are fundraising for. Farleigh is such a calming place, and the people are so friendly. You do get great job satisfaction because you
know you’re helping.

What advice would you give to someone thinking of becoming a volunteer at Farleigh?

My advice would be to just go for it and apply. You can choose how many days you do, and choose how many hours. I wanted to do a day a week but you could just register to help at events or with street collections. There is so many different volunteering options, that there really is something to suit everyone. During my career, I’ve had lovely jobs, that have all been centred around meeting people and working with people, so when I decided to become a volunteer, being with people was very important to me. I didn’t just want to be behind a desk. Through my volunteering role I have met all sorts of different people from all walks of life, that are just so kind. It’s been great fun.

How do I find out more about becoming a volunteer?For more information on any of our volunteer roles, or to find out more about volunteering with Farleigh Hospice, please contact our Volunteering Team on 01245 933735 or email us at volunteer@farleighhospice.org