Meet Hugh, one of our practical support volunteers who has been helping Demelza for the last four years, and find out why he decided to become a volunteer.

Before retirement, Hugh was a sheet metal engineer making items for companies such as the London Underground and buildings in Canary Wharf. After he stopped working Hugh wanted to do something good with his spare time, while keeping himself busy. Hearing about Demelza from his wife, he knew there was only one option for where he wanted to sign up!

“I have always been someone who likes to help people. I get so much from seeing people’s faces while I am there and how much they appreciate it. Even when I am doing something that doesn’t seem a big deal, it is always very much appreciated.”

Hugh helps to deliver extraordinary care through his role as a practical support volunteer. For tangled gardens, his gardening support provides access to an enjoyable green space for families again. By driving families, it means they can get to the hospital and other appointments on time and stress-free.

Over the winter period, Hugh helps with delivering presents, while spreading some festive fun to Demelza families. He remembers one little boy being particularly excited: “The look on the child’s face, he got so excited and so happy that I was standing there with a bag of presents and dressed up as an elf! I must admit, I did have a bit of a moment after I got out of the home because it was a very emotional time. They couldn’t be nicer or more appreciative.”

As a practical support volunteer Hugh has given lots to others, but volunteering has also been beneficial to him too: “It has improved my people skills. I am a quiet, introverted kind of person but I have found I am more open and can talk to people more easily,” he said.

“Volunteering with Demelza has given me a lot of satisfaction. If you like helping people, then there is probably not a better place to volunteer – everything you do makes a big difference.”

If you would like the opportunity to take some of the stress out of the lives of families caring for a child with a serious or life-limiting illness, find out more about our volunteering roles. You can make a huge difference, as well as learn new skills and make new friends.

Find out more about volunteering with Demelza!