It's widely acknowledged that Willow Wood Hospice, like many charities, could not continue its work without support from volunteers.

There is currently a team of around 500 volunteers who help in many different ways and in every part of the hospice.

However, Volunteer Services Manager Lisa Pye is appealing for more volunteers to come forward.

“We are in need of volunteer assistance in a few crucial areas, including our retail division. With eight shops, a cafe and a huge distribution centre all needing to be staffed six days a week, there are always roles to be filled.

“And as our shops raise a huge part of the funds needed to enable us to care for our patients and their families, these really are vital roles.”

Vice-Chair of the Board of Trustees Mark Llewellin and a volunteer himself agrees.

“Our shops play a large part in our success but we have other positions needing to be filled too, all of which make a difference to the lives of local people.

“We currently need volunteers in our kitchen to help in the preparation and serving of meals to patients and their visitors, to our staff and to our Hospice based volunteers.

“The old saying ‘an army marches on its stomach’ is true, and freshly prepared, nutritious and enjoyable meals and snacks help everyone perform at their peak.

“Our fundraising team also have need of volunteers to help at events. Whether manning a stall or selling raffle tickets at events such as our recent Butterfly Memory Release and Summer Fete, or checking in walkers at our Twilight Wander coming up in September, there are many areas where support is needed.

“And as a volunteer myself I have to say that, in addition to knowing you’re helping your community, volunteering is a lot of fun.

“You’re meeting like-minded people and I can promise you that you’ll have a lot of fun.”

If you’d like to find out more about volunteering opportunities at Willow Wood, there is plenty of information at www.willowwood.info, including an online or downloadable volunteer application form.

As Lisa said: “Our volunteers really are the heart of the Hos- pice. We could not continue our care without them.”