Diana Petchell

Ambassador

I have always shown an interest in fundraising, previously supporting a charity and with the support of colleagues from Marshalls, raised between £125k and £130k.

This said, we were later given the opportunity to take a days holiday and work for a local charity.

After making enquiries with the Arthur Rank Hospice Charity, I helped with the Star Shine Night Walk in Cambridge. What a fabulous event. I was totally in awe, not only with the walkers, but with the staff who helped too.

Since then, I have attended many outdoor and indoor fundraising events, which has been an absolute privilege.

On top of this, in 2020 I became an Ambassador for the Charity.

During Covid I had the pleasure of telephoning an outpatient, just to make sure he was ok and not in need of anything. Although we never met, it was so lovely to get to know him with our many chats.

The unique positivity and kindness of the staff is so inspiring.

It is a wonderful charity which makes a massive difference to those that need help with end of life care or a short stay to help with medication.

I not only help the nursing staff  but also patients relatives either with making tea and coffee or just a friendly chat which is always welcome.

The Inpatient Unit is a beautiful and calm place and there is always a friendly and open welcome.

If you are visiting the Hospice, do have a look round the garden, which is a very special and calming place.

To me, its not about giving something back, its about giving time to awe inspiring staff who give so much to patients and their relatives – I know full well we would be lost without them all.