From Sirens to Sofas: Nigel’s Journey to the Hospice Team

Nigel joined the team in August 2024, bringing with him more than three decades of experience from the Ambulance Service. He started by transporting patients and later moved to frontline roles, spending seven years responding to emergency calls. After 31 years, he was ready for a change—and found the perfect fit with us.

“This role is ideal,” Nigel says. “It’s local to Reading, and it’s something completely different from what I was doing before. I wanted to get out and try something new.”

Helping people clearly runs in the family. Nigel’s daughter Rebecca began volunteering with us, and after going through the recruitment process, she’s now the Assistant Supervisor of our Reading Cafe. His wife is also getting involved—soon to volunteer in the Homestudio, “mainly to keep an eye on me,” Nigel laughs. It’s safe to say, we’ve gained a whole family of dedicated supporters!

Nigel is part of the furniture delivery and collection team. Each morning starts with sorting the delivery sheets and planning the best routes for the day. They load the van in reverse order—what’s being delivered last goes in first—and then head out.

“We’re a two-driver team in one van,” Nigel explains. “We usually do collections in the afternoons. After that, we help out in the shop—moving furniture, unloading, whatever’s needed.”

Nigel loves the variety, the physical work, and most of all, knowing it’s all for a good cause. “I really enjoy helping the Hospice. Everything we do helps raise money. I also enjoy being out and about, meeting people—most of them are really friendly. And working with my co-driver is great. We’ve become good friends.”

But it’s not just about driving. Being able to make good decisions on the spot is important. Although they receive photos of items to collect, what they find on arrival can be quite different.

“You need to be fairly strict,” Nigel says. “If it’s stained, torn, ripped, or doesn’t have a fire label, we can’t take it. We don’t want to pick up something we know we can’t sell—because then we have to pay to dispose of it, and that’s money taken away from the Hospice.”

Sofas and beds are the most popular—and often the trickiest. “They’re big, heavy, and if they’re not in good condition, there’s nothing we can do. You’ve got to have a good eye and good people skills.”

It’s a full-time role, five days a week from 8:30 to 5:00. But for Nigel, it’s more than just a job.

“I know I’m making a difference. That’s what matters.”