This Volunteers’ Week, we are celebrating the incredible individuals who dedicate their time, talents, and hearts to supporting Farleigh Hospice. Our volunteers play a vital role in everything we do, allowing us to provide free, compassionate care to families across mid Essex when they need it most.
Today, we are proud to share the inspiring story of Karen, a 57-year-old resident from South Woodham Ferrers. After we supported her husband, Lauri, to pass away peacefully at home, Karen decided to give back. In doing so, she discovered a renewed sense of purpose, a supportive community, and the confidence to heal.
“Farleigh made such a massive difference to us at the worst possible time in our lives, and I want other families to be able to have the same.”
Finding comfort and dignity in hospice care at home
Karen’s journey with Farleigh Hospice began in 2024 during an incredibly challenging time. She was caring for her terminally ill husband, Lauri, at home, but reached a stage where she could no longer cope alone.
“At first, my husband didn’t want outside help,” Karen recalls. “He was absolutely desperate to stay at home and thought the only help that could be offered was in-patient care at the hospice building. However, Farleigh arranged for a hospital bed at home, sent nurses four times a day, and supported us, physically and emotionally, through the last weeks of his life.”
Thanks to the dedicated Farleigh community care teams, Lauri’s wishes were fulfilled. He passed away at home, peacefully and with dignity.
From hospice care to event photography
Karen shares that after Lauri died, she also lost much of her confidence, and found her self-esteem was deeply affected by grief. Hoping to give back to the charity, a chance meeting with Farleigh’s team opened a brand-new avenue for her: volunteer photography.
Karen entered a winning wildlife photo in the Farleigh calendar competition. The Farleigh team spotted her talent and invited Karen photograph Farleigh’s Walk for Life as a volunteer.
“I was incredibly nervous,” Karen admits, “but I accepted as I knew I really wanted to say thank you. I am so glad I did because I really enjoyed myself!”
Since that first event, Karen has become a familiar face behind the lens at Farleigh’s mass participation fundraising events, including:
“The joy and the sense of achievement people feel as they cross the finish line is evident, and these are some of my favourite moments to photograph,” Karen says. “I also marvel at the broad range of people who take part – from the very young to the very old, the able and the not so able – and I have a real soft spot for all the canine participants!
These events do more than just raise vital funds; they give our mid Essex community a beautiful space to celebrate their loved ones and keep their memories alive.”
A warm welcome at our South Woodham Ferrers Shop
Towards the end of last year, Karen felt ready to give her time on a more regular, weekly basis. She decided to step through the doors of our South Woodham Ferrers charity shop.
“Still lacking in confidence, I was very apprehensive on my first day,” Karen says. “But I needn’t have worried. Toni, the shop manager, was so welcoming and supportive. I really look forward to my Wednesday afternoons now. It is such a lovely environment and the two other volunteers I work with are delightful company.”
Karen spends her shifts sorting through incoming public donations, where she says can “throw up some real surprises” – and prepping items for the shop floor.
Volunteering at our charity shops also carries a brilliant environmental benefit. By recycling, repurposing, and choosing sustainable pre-loved fashion, our volunteers help prevent countless items from ending up in landfill.
“Volunteering helps me as much as I help the charity”
For Karen, volunteering has been a vital part of her own bereavement journey.
“Although I have lovely friends and family around me, living on my own after so many years as a couple has been very hard and can get lonely at times,” she explains. “Volunteering for Farleigh helps me as much as I help the charity. I now have a renewed sense of worth and have regained so much lost confidence. I have met lots of lovely people, and I really feel as though I’m part of a team again.”
Join our volunteer team this Volunteers’ Week
Whether you want to put a passion for photography to good use, make new friends in one of our Essex charity shops, or support our community events, there’s a place for you at Farleigh Hospice.
Volunteering is a meaningful way to learn new skills, support your wellbeing, and make a real difference to hospice care in your local community.