For more than two decades, a dedicated volunteer has been serving tea, coffee, and comfort to patients and families at East Cheshire Hospice, building lifelong friendships along the way.
A Personal Connection Sparks a Lifelong Commitment
Gillian Belt's first encounter with the hospice was deeply personal. Her journey began in 1998 when her late father, Alvin Thomas, was admitted as a cancer patient. "Dad came to live with us from our family home in Wales and spent two weeks as an inpatient at the hospice," Gillian shared. That difficult experience became the catalyst for her remarkable dedication.
"That’s how I got involved and I kept that link," she explained. After she started volunteering, Gillian became a familiar and welcome face on the wards. She didn't just serve refreshments; she built profound connections. "I got to know families and still keep in touch with some," she said, highlighting the lasting bonds formed within the hospice's walls.
The Power of a Smile and a Helping Hand
Gillian admits that returning to the hospice after losing her father was initially challenging. "At first it was hard to go in after losing my dad, but once I went through those doors, I knew I had to put a happy face on," she recalled. Her commitment to bringing positivity to others was unwavering. "Even if I felt down, I had to smile. One patient said, ‘here she comes, the girl who has always got a smile.’"
Her dedication extended beyond her scheduled shifts. Driven by compassion, she often visited patients who were alone, even when she was not on duty. Beyond her work on the ward, Gillian has also contributed by making gift cards and is a long-standing member of the Macclesfield support group.
Creative Crafting for a Cause
Another pillar of the hospice's volunteer community is Betty Malkin. A fellow member of the support group, Betty dedicates hours each day to knitting a variety of charming woollen items once her housework is complete.
Her creations, which include cute bears, are sold to raise essential funds for the hospice. For Betty, this labour of love is more than just fundraising. "It’s therapy for me," she revealed. "I have arthritis in my hands and find that knitting helps." Her craft provides both personal therapeutic benefits and crucial financial support for the hospice's work, showcasing another powerful way the community contributes.
The stories of Gillian and Betty illustrate the profound impact of volunteering, where personal loss can transform into a legacy of care, friendship, and support for the entire community.
