Chris serves suppers with a smile to Rowcroft’s patients
As we celebrate Volunteers’ Week, we’re shining a light on our team of volunteer heroes who give their time to support our care. Meet Chris Harding, one of our wonderful hospitality volunteers, whose cheerful spirit brings warmth to patients each week. From serving suppers to sharing a friendly chat, Chris is one of many incredible volunteers who help make Rowcroft the welcoming and compassionate place it is.
Dinner, dessert, and friendly dialogue
“I help with supper service on a Monday, and I also cover every fourth Sunday and fill in for other shifts as needed,” says Chris. “I arrive around 4.30pm and start by doing a sweep through all the rooms, collecting used tea and coffee cups. At 5pm, I begin serving supper – bringing trays to patients and then offering desserts. Once everyone’s finished, I clear the dishes, wash up the cups and glasses, and tidy everything away. I make sure that everything’s hunky dory before finishing around 6pm.”
Kindness on the menu
“The beautiful part of this work is quite honestly everything, but what I love most is interacting with the patients. It’s a real pleasure to serve them. I’m a naturally happy person, and I like to keep things light and friendly when I can. I feel that’s the gift I can bring: a bit of lightness and care – just as I see the nurses doing every day.”
Finding a way to give back
“I knew I wanted to volunteer, but my first few attempts at different places didn’t quite fit. I didn’t feel I’d found a role where I was making the kind of contribution I wanted to. Then I remembered a friend of mine who had stayed at the hospice for two periods of care before passing away here. It was beautiful to come to the hospice and see my friend. That memory stuck with me, and I thought – maybe there’s a role for me at Rowcroft.
“I’ve had a great life and now that I’m no longer working, volunteering gives me a new way to give back.”
Life’s standout moments
“There are people here you just fall in love with – they touch you deeply. For me, the standout moments are when I feel such love in my heart – for the work I’m doing and the people I meet. Right now, I get to see the same people every day, and I absolutely adore them. I think they’re wonderful people.”
A peaceful sanctuary
“Rowcroft is amazing – sometimes I can hardly believe this place exists, because the rest of the world can feel so tough, and Rowcroft is like a peaceful sanctuary away from everything else.
“I know that I’m so appreciated for volunteering, not just by the staff, but by the patients too. It’s a nurturing, supportive place. While it may seem like volunteering is all about giving, here it’s very much about receiving too. It’s an incredible place to volunteer.”
Interested in volunteering?
Why not become a part of Rowcroft’s volunteer community alongside Chris? Discover more about volunteering with us and explore current roles at rowcrofthospice.org.uk/volunteers or give us a call on 01803 210852.