From Steelworks to Supporting Others: Joe's Volunteering Journey
A former steelworker from Barry has become one of Marie Curie's most dedicated volunteers, praising the charity's exceptional support during difficult times and calling for more men to join their ranks. Joe Xerri, who first volunteered with the UK's leading end-of-life charity four years ago, now dedicates three days each week to supporting others through both companion and café roles.
Joe serves as a Marie Curie Companion volunteer every Wednesday, currently supporting Melanie Syme, while spending Thursdays and Fridays working as a server at the Marie Curie Hospice, Cardiff and the Vale's Caffi'r Ardd (Garden Café). The café welcomes not just patients and families but also the general public, creating a vital community hub.
Support Through Grief and New Beginnings
Joe experienced firsthand how Marie Curie supports its volunteers when his first companion client, Margaret, died last year after they had spent exactly a year and one week together. "Everybody was concerned for me," Joe recalled. "My nice big boss Rachel came to have a chat to me about how I felt and about the experience, and whether I would do it again."
He described Margaret as "a great Companion" and felt he had become "part of the family," making her funeral an emotional experience. However, the charity's supportive approach encouraged him to continue. "Marie Curie made me feel 'why not do it again'. It's different characters altogether and that's what's nice about it," Joe explained.
Now supporting Melanie, who was diagnosed with cancer of the spine in September 2024, Joe finds equal fulfilment in his new companion relationship. "It's nice what I've done for Margaret, and it's nice that I continue to do this with Melanie, because I do see her smile," he shared.
Making a Difference in Difficult Times
Melanie Syme, Joe's current companion client, has faced multiple devastating losses in recent years. She revealed: "I've had a lot of upset – four years ago, my twin brother died, then I got breast cancer two weeks later. Then my husband died, and he wasn't even ill. He was sat in the chair next to me and then my sister died."
She described how these cumulative losses have affected her deeply: "In a very short period my body has been knocked. My life has just stripped me – I don't know who I am really. Even though it's four years down the road, it's still awful."
Melanie particularly values Joe's ability to provide light relief during dark times. "Joe does silly things to support me. He's light," she said, also highlighting how he helps manage her anxiety even without personal experience of the condition.
Beyond her companion sessions with Joe, Melanie also attends the Comfort Café at the hospice's Wellbeing and Support Hub and receives support from Marie Curie Clinical Nurse Specialist Karen and Occupational Therapist Becky. She praised the small group setting, noting: "It's loneliness that really impacts me, because at this age you can't just pick up friends. But it's nice when there's a few of us who are able to chat to each other."
A Call to Action for Male Volunteers
Speaking ahead of International Men's Day, Joe emphasised the similarities between his two volunteering roles, noting that both centre around connecting with people. "I just love people," he said. "Obviously with a Companion it's deeper because I try my best to support them through whatever it is they are dealing with – like Melanie's anxiety – but a lot of it is very similar, meeting people and building that rapport."
Joe expressed his enthusiasm for volunteering with Marie Curie and issued a direct appeal to other men considering similar roles. "I love volunteering with Marie Curie, and I'd urge anyone to sign up to do it – especially other men. I get so much out of it," he stated.
Marie Curie provides comprehensive support for people with any terminal illness, including Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia, heart, liver, kidney and lung disease, motor neurone disease, Parkinson's, and advanced cancer. The charity delivers expert care through home visits, hospice services, and a free Information and Support helpline available to anyone affected by dying, death and bereavement.
The charity is currently seeking volunteers for various roles, including Marie Curie Companions and café assistants at Caffi'r Ardd. Additionally, they're recruiting collectors for Christmas and the 40th anniversary of their Great Daffodil Appeal in February and March.
