Meet Graham, who’s been a volunteer at the Kings Langley shop for 7 years since 2012. He helps in the shop every week and is also one of our valued drivers – reporting to our Trading team and collecting items that have been pledged, taking them to various local Hospice of St Francis shops.
Living in Kings Langley with his wife Margaret, Graham shares his story as to why he came to volunteer at the Hospice… “I was walking in my village one day, and saw the notice in the window advertising for volunteers, and thought why not!” Having always led a busy life family and work-life - Graham was keen to remain busy when he retired. He had a career in the transport and motor business, and serving for a number of years as a service manager for a Milton Keynes leasing company and then a service driver for a local Land Rover dealership.
He became a member of the ProBus (Professional and Business) group, an association of retired business people, a fellowship who have a measure of worthy endeavour and are of character and respected in the community – meeting with other members every 3 weeks.
Describing the shop environment, Graham explains, “The shop is a very friendly and busy place to work, with very many wonderful local and regular visitors buying and donating. It’s heart-warming to experience how appreciative people are and generous in giving.
“I started in the Kings Langley shop the day it opened and on that day the shop was deluged with visitors and to the best of my recall we had a bumper day of donations/takings that has never been exceeded!
“Volunteering for the Hospice gives me an opportunity to use my skills of sharing and caring for others in need.
“Special moments occur for me from time to time when I am out and about collecting donations maybe visiting the partner of someone recently passed away, that I am able to share just a brief precious moment of empathy and understanding – so rewarding – and proud in the name of The Hospice of St Francis. Long may it continue!”
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