Volunteer PAT dog volunteers
Heather Hancock and Leo
Heather Hancock and her PAT dog, Leo have been volunteering at the Hospice since 2025. Heather kindly shared her experience:
“We started volunteering at Arthur Rank Hospice in 2025 after I semi-retired. I was looking for things to do in the voluntary sector especially with my dog.
We applied via the website and then went for an interview with ‘Pets as Therapy’, who observed Leo to ensure that he would make a good volunteer.
Leo has always been a super friendly dog and loves people so it made a good match.”
How would you describe your volunteering sessions with Leo?
“A little mad! He is a big dog – weighing about 80lbs and almost five feet tall. The benefit is that, when invited, he can put his head onto the patient’s bed in the Inpatient Unit or their lap in the Living Well Service Lounge.
He is an incredibly perceptive dog and instinctively knows when to be quiet, when to give a cuddle and when to rest is head on people’s laps.
He has been amazing with patients and their loved ones. I have had some great conversations with people about their homes, their pets and their lives because of Leo.
He has an absolute focus on the squirrels much to everyone’s joy and he has made many people laugh out loud with his antics.”
Had you heard of the Charity before you volunteered?
“Yes, I had heard of the Charity. I must admit I thought it would be a somber place. What I found within the Hospice was a truly beautiful and restful place for people with all manner of conditions. Not just for patients but also families.
The staff are incredible – kindness shines from every person I meet who works and volunteers there.”
What would you say to others about Hospice Care?
“Hospice care gives people and their families care so that time can be spent meaningfully. Time and love is so important in this life and the Charity enables that with the atmosphere, the highly skilled staff and the beautiful surroundings.
I used to be somewhat wary of hospices but having seen what can be provided to all those who attend, I strongly believe that it is a vital support to those that need it.”
Heather and Leo have also signed up to take part in Star Shine Night Walk, Cambridge in 2026 and Heather explained her reason why:
“Following the funding cuts last year and my own experience of volunteering at the Charity I wanted to do whatever I could to support it.
Knowing that every step will make a difference to support people in Cambridgeshire living with an advanced serious illness or other life-limiting condition and those who need end of life care, will keep us going on the night.
Leo and I will be proud to help keep the Charity funded so that it can care for many more people.”
If you would like to volunteer with Arthur Rank Hospice Charity, please visit arhc.org.uk/volunteer
