Nisha's Story

Nisha, one of our retail volunteers at the Maidenhead store, talks about why she volunteers for Thames Hospice.

Volunteering in Thames Hospice’s Maidenhead store for more than a decade has helped Nisha establish roots 4,500 miles from her homeland in the Himalayas.

An ethnic Nepali born in Bhutan, Nisha came to Britain as an asylum seeker at the age of 26. She didn’t speak English and didn’t have any friends or family around her but quickly realised that while she didn’t have much, she could give something valuable: her time.

Nisha explains: “I signed up to volunteer as I simply wanted to improve my English, meet new people, and learn more about British culture. I started by reaching out to local organisations and found myself helping out at a number of charities. Soon, volunteering gave me a sense of belonging. It was my way of connecting with the world, of finding a purpose.

“Over the years, I have worked with many incredible organisations. Each opportunity gave me the chance to make a difference.

“I learned the value of giving and the impact it has on both the giver and the receiver. Volunteering wasn’t just about helping others—it was about finding my own purpose, developing new skills, and creating meaningful connections. It taught me the importance of empathy, teamwork, and resilience. Through my time at various charities, I realised that no act of kindness is too small, and every effort counts.”

Nisha explained that her experiences of volunteering has taught her that happiness isn’t about material things or wealth—it’s about making a difference to the lives of others. It showed her that true wealth lies in relationships, learning and personal growth.

Nisha added: “Volunteering has not only helped me develop as a person but also allowed me to contribute to something larger than myself.

“Looking back on my journey, I’m filled with gratitude for everything I’ve learned and the people I’ve met along the way. It hasn’t been easy, and there are still challenges ahead, but volunteering has been a source of strength. It has given me the confidence to learn, grow, and make a real difference in the world. No matter where life takes me, I will continue to dedicate myself to helping others—because that is where true happiness lies.”