Volunteering at 90

Great grandmother Margaret Fitzpatrick may be small in stature but she is big on character and kindness. Margaret celebrates her 90th birthday in August and after 36 years of caring and supporting patients and families at Saint Francis Hospice, she tells us why the charity is so special to her.  

I knew about Saint Francis Hospice before it even opened its doors in 1984. I lived nearby so I saw it being built but I never thought I’d be working there.  

I was a full-time mum of four at the time and I remember feeling a bit down in the dumps when my youngest son went off to America to work. My friend Doreen worked in the hospice kitchen, and she said she’d let me know if anything came up! Three years later I started working as a domestic on the ward. 

I loved helping the patients and it was lovely to be able to talk to the families. It has always been such a friendly place to work.  

It’s over 21 years ago now that my husband James was cared for on the ward when he had cancer, and this was when my connection with the charity became personal.

Becoming a volunteer after retirement

The years flew by and after 30 years I decided it was time to retire. I took a year off before coming back as a ward volunteer. And now I've been volunteering for 5 years and recently received my long service award for volunteering.

Margaret being presented with her Volunteering Long Service Award by Chairman of the Trustees, Peter Crutchett

The staff and volunteers have become like family to me. I really look forward to my shifts and still enjoy having a chat and banter with the patients as I’m serving their meals and drinks.  

The way I look at it, by volunteering, I am freeing up the nurses and healthcare assistants so they can spend more time giving patients the care they need.  

Lockdown was difficult as I couldn’t volunteer, and I missed being at the hospice. I was so glad when I was able to come back again. I come in three days a week if they are short of volunteers. It does not hurt me to come in. I love being busy and I love being here.  

Although it can be very sad, and you could make yourself very sad, I have learned not to take it home. 

The hospice has been a part of my life so long, I will be really sad when I have to give it up.