Hospice Volunteer nominated for a BBC ‘Make A Difference Volunteer Award’

• 4 September 2024

Volunteer, Jean Fosbeary, from Foxton, became a local media star when she was recently interviewed by Radio Cambridgeshire, as she was nominated for a BBC ‘Make A Difference Award’.

The BBC ‘Make a Difference Volunteer Award’ is to recognise ‘an individual who makes a notable difference to their community by giving their time voluntarily to help others’.

At Arthur Rank Hospice Charity, we are proud to support over 500 volunteers in a huge range of roles. These roles may take place in our Hospice in Cambridge, at the Alan Hudson Centre in Wisbech or in the community such as at one of our Retail shops and outlets. Volunteers can be involved in a number of ways, with a commitment level that works for them.

Hannah Touhey, Voluntary Services Manager, explained why she was motivated to nominate Jean for a ‘Make a Difference Volunteer Award’:

“It is always very difficult to consider volunteers for nominations as we are privileged to have so many wonderful volunteers contributing to our services. In a Hospice charity you may immediately think of the volunteers who support in patient-facing roles in clinical areas. But alongside these, fabulous volunteers are supporting in a wide range of roles which help to make the Hospice the warm and welcoming space it is.”

“Jean is an incredible volunteer and contributes to both our gardens and our floral arrangements as well as supporting with fundraising initiatives. She is incredibly organised and proactive and a pleasure to have in team meetings. She always brings her notebook, ideas and enthusiasm!

Although I love our gardens, I am a self-confessed novice gardener, and it’s wonderful to have volunteers like Jean who can share their wealth of experience to benefit our surroundings.”

Jean shared:

“I started volunteering for the Charity in 2010 because my friend, Sue had Motor Neurone Disease and she used to go to the Living Well Service (formally Day Therapy) at the Hospice.

I usually volunteer by flower arranging or helping in the garden and enjoy making a difference to the patients and their visitors.

My advice to anyone is volunteer wherever you can because it does make a difference to people who are less fortunate to yourselves or people who are in a difficult situation. Once I helped by volunteering for the Charity at the Cambridge Beer Festival. I felt so silly walking down Victoria Avenue in my green t-shirt but once I got there and was given a bucket to collect money I really enjoyed it.”

Hannah concluded:

“Jean also takes every opportunity she can to build on the work we do and think creatively; managing our cutting garden (with flowers grown to be used in arrangements in the Hospice) and bringing in her own plants from home. She has a warmth and kindness to her that reflects our values of caring, community, compassion and excellence, this made her an obvious choice for the nomination.”

You can listen to Jean’s radio interview HERE

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If you would like to volunteer for Arthur Rank Hospice Charity please visit arhc.org.uk/volunteer