Sharon's story

For the past five years, Sharon has been a dedicated volunteer within the Inpatient Services team at Thames Hospice, giving her time, compassion and warmth to patients and their loved ones every Monday morning.

Sharon’s connection with the Hospice began through the Denham Support Group, a longstanding fundraising group that works tirelessly to support Thames Hospice. While she had always supported the group’s work, Sharon had been considering volunteering directly with the Hospice for some time.

After the Hospice cared for her stepfather, she knew she wanted to become more personally involved.

“After seeing the care and support my stepfather received, I felt I needed to make volunteering happen,” Sharon said.

Following the two-year period requested before volunteering after a family bereavement, Sharon applied to join the team in 2021 and has never looked back.

Sharon believes empathy and compassion are essential qualities for the role, qualities she feels privileged to offer to others during some of the most difficult moments in their lives.

“One of the pleasures is being able to help people in any way in their last moments,” she said. “It gives me a terrific amount of joy.”

No two shifts are ever the same. Sharon’s mornings can involve stocking cupboards, making tea and coffee for families, helping staff where needed, or simply spending time chatting with patients and their loved ones.

It is those conversations and connections that Sharon treasures most. “Interaction with patients and their families is what I enjoy the most,” she explained. “If I could be at the Hospice every day, I would.”

For Sharon, even the smallest gesture can make a meaningful difference.

“Sometimes even just a smile can go a really long way,” she said. “I always come away knowing I’ve helped someone.”

Sharon is passionate about the importance of hospice care and believes everyone should have the opportunity to spend their final days in such an amazing place.

“Thames Hospice is just lovely,” she said. “Everyone, the staff and volunteers, are so lovely. It’s a very special place and a privilege to volunteer here.”

For anyone considering volunteering, Sharon has a simple message: “You don’t know until you try it, but it might be just for you.”