Lucy's story

After retiring from full-time employment, Lucy knew she wanted to spend her time doing something meaningful, something that would give back to the community. That search for purpose led her to Thames Hospice, where she now volunteers with the eBay team.

For Lucy, each shift with the eBay team brings something new and unexpected. “No two days are the same,” she said. “You never know what weird and wonderful objects will be donated! It’s a great bunch of people and we have fun while we work.”

Her time volunteering has become more than just a way to fill her days, it’s a genuine source of fulfilment. “I feel a real sense of achievement and know that in a small way I am making a difference,” Lucy reflected. “I always leave on a high and can’t wait until my next shift!”

Once Lucy started volunteering with the eBay team, she soon found herself drawn to art and paintings. “I didn’t have a specific interest but sort of fell into art and paintings, which I am now totally obsessed with,” she said. “I’m even thinking of doing an online History of Art course to further my knowledge.”

Among the many unique donations that pass through the eBay department, one discovery stands out. “We had some small paintings donated that weren’t particularly valuable,” Lucy recalled. “However, having done some research I found out that they had once been owned by Mary Quant, the British fashion designer. They sold for several thousand pounds, purely based on their provenance.”

Lucy’s story is a testament to how volunteering can spark new passions, foster community, and provide a lasting sense of purpose. Through her dedication and curiosity, she’s not only supporting Thames Hospice but also discovering new interests along the way.