Volunteer’s Story Lynne MacDonald

“After living most of my adult life overseas in Malaysia, our family came back to the UK and settled in Newick. I volunteered in our local community and worked for British Airways for over 12 years, in the role of a companion, who looked after unaccompanied children and got them to and from the plane.

Gordon, my husband, then fell ill and so I gave up work to care for him. Towards the end of his life, I got in touch with our GP to ask for a referral to the hospice. Dr Ashby had previously helped me to get my mother into St Peter & St James Hospice for the last few days of her life, so I knew it was a special place. Gordon spent a number of weeks in the Inpatient Unit, being cared for by the most amazing team. He was so well looked after, the family were all welcomed at any time of day, there was so much flexibility around meal choices and visiting, and most importantly he wasn’t in pain, and died peacefully in 2009.

In 2015 I popped into the hospice shop in Uckfield, and the lady behind the counter asked me if I would consider volunteering, which I found myself agreeing to! I have thoroughly enjoyed my shifts in the shop, working with a lovely team and manager. I walk to work, and normally work for a few hours each Saturday morning, often seeing repeat customers who come in to say hello. We get a lovely mix of customers including lots of families, and many four-legged friends too (we have a dog biscuit jar to hand all the time!)

My passion is fashion – I love sorting all the rails to make sure they are all in order and look appealing. There have been some incredible donations over the years, and the eBay team do great work selling designer pieces online too. I especially love seeing younger people coming in and choosing clothing items and giving them a new lease of life.

The hospice receives 39% of its income from shop donations and purchases. I feel proud that my few hours each week is helping to generate much needed funding, so that other families can receive the support we were lucky enough to have.”

Lynne MacDonald