I want to thank you for taking me as a volunteer and I have really enjoyed working with you and your team. You guys are some of the most optimistic people and have motivated me so much to pursue healthcare.

Most of us go through life wanting to give something back, but ask ourselves what am I good at? What would fulfil me and in turn make a difference?
Then I saw Suzanne’s advert for volunteers to support her amazing charity built on her fathers legacy to have a cancer buddy scheme, supporting patients at Milton Keynes University Hospital, Cancer Centre.
My family have experienced cancer in their life, I find people so interesting and I love a chat, so I thought perfect, that’s for me.
There is a thorough MKUH online volunteer induction programme and an informal Als Pals assessment where Suzanne runs through potential scenarios with you before you commence patient visits, so you are more than prepared.
Suzanne is an amazing support to the volunteers, she constantly keeps in touch with us all and makes us feel like a family.
This volunteering opportunity that Als Pals Charity are offering is so rewarding, if I make patients laugh or smile during my visit then I know I’ve made a difference.

I am proud to say that I am an Als Pals Volunteer. A charity run by Suzanne in memory of her much loved father.

When I saw I the advertisement for volunteers I knew instinctively it was the role for me. Having experienced cancer myself and also losing my brother to leukaemia I felt I could bring an empathy and understanding to anyone that requested our service. I have retired now and it is definitely the right time for me to give something back to the patients of the wonderful new Cancer support centre at MKGH.

Even though we were all ready to go the pandemic has delayed our service considerably. However Suzanne has kept her focus and determination to get the volunteers in to the centre and has kept us all informed all along the way. This in turn has kept us all motivated and ready to hit the ground running as the service gained momentum.

I am personally looking forward to helping as much as possible and being part of this growing team.

I saw 3 people today at the hospital in Ward 25 at the cancer centre MK

One lady who’s quite Ill and struggles to speak properly. I spent time just sitting / sensing / feeling and could feel the comfort she gleaned from that – just knowing that there was someone nearby who cared.

Another gentleman aged 65 – and was living with a terminal prognosis. He had no family to support him.

I had about an hour with him, we talked about the things that have formed his life  – fighting,  alcoholism, work (dustman), booze, football & everything in between and we also spoke about  his fear of death & his life regrets etc. He took real benefit from our time together – he’s facing his death face on, and although nervous he will face it head on. I sensed that because he’s always been at the bottom of the pile, he’s never really been listened to? But after speaking with me and finding that we had so much in common really helped. The atmosphere in our room was incredible.

Finally, I spent 45 minutes with an older man who knows that things are not going his way. 

He became emotional during our time, but I managed to help him compose himself and think about how to face the future. He has a loving family & wife, but the benefit he got from talking to me as an impartial neutral was tangible. There was a warmth in the room  and it was beautiful.

I’m writing this, because I know it was your Dad’s wish that no one should face or fight cancer alone, and I know my Mum & Dad would be in total agreement. These are real examples of the power of our charity when it falls into place. Brilliant !