Volunteer Superstar

Many of you will have heard of the Pontefract based artist, Rachel List, who has been painting incredible murals all over town. But, did you know her mum, Diane West, is one of our amazing volunteers?

We caught up with Diane, ahead of Volunteers’ Week to talk all things volunteering, and of course we couldn’t help but ask her how proud she is of her daughter, Rachel.

A therapist, with over twenty years’ experience, Diane joined the Hospice team as a volunteer complimentary therapist back in 2017. She wanted to give something back after her mum was cared for on our Incare Ward. Pre-lock down, Diane volunteered every Friday at our Outreach group in Badsworth. Reflecting on her volunteer role, Diane said;
 
‘I absolutely love my role and Fridays are my favourite day. Initially it was gratitude that made me apply, I wanted to say thank you to them for taking such good care of my mum.

‘It seems strange now saying this, but I feel like I’m part of this amazing, caring family and it’s a lovely feeling and wonderful to be part of it. I feel like I’m giving something, but I also get so much back. It’s actually therapy for me in return. It’s helped me so much and being able to help others in the small way that I do is so very rewarding. I am so passionate about my therapies and the benefits.'

Diane applied for the role of volunteer complimentary therapist after she saw an advert on facebook and thought it would be a perfect fit. She said;

'When my mum was in the Hospice, I had some Reiki from Martina and I also had some counselling there before my mum died. It made me realise that they also cared for the families as much as the inpatients and I was determined to give something back. I waited a while until I felt I was ready to volunteer. I’ve been doing therapies for over twenty years, so I knew I had the experience.'

Diane can't wait to get back to her volunteering slot when government restrictions lift and we can safely reopen our Outreach groups, she said;

'This pandemic has prevented me from being part of my Friday morning Outreach group and I feel out of sorts. I am really looking forward to coming back as a volunteer and cannot wait to see everyone again. It seems like forever since I saw them.  

'I am so proud of being a volunteer and I absolutely love what I do. Meeting new people along the way and making new friends is an extra delight. I would encourage anyone who has a few hours spare every week to look into volunteering.’

Diane's passion and enthusiasm for supporting the Hospice has had a huge impact on those around her, especially her daughter, Rachel, who herself has started fundraising. Diane said;
 
'During this lockdown and completely by accident, my daughter, Rachel, started painting murals in Pontefract and became an overnight news sensation. I told Rachel I was worried about the funding for the Hospice and how much essential funding they were losing day by day. My family know how passionate I am about my role as a volunteer and how much I miss it. Rachel realised maybe she could do something to help.

'She decided to auction off a canvas she had done and donate the money to the Hospice and then came up with the idea to auction off the large mural type painting.

'I cannot describe the emotions I felt when she announced it, but the pride too, that my Rachel was doing this wonderful thing to help raise funds for the Hospice I love.'

Feeling inspired? Apply for one of our volunteer roles today. Visit: www.pwh.org.uk/volunteer