Volunteers’ Week is a time to pause and recognise the people who give their time so generously to others. At St Luke’s, our volunteers are at the heart of everything we do. They offer comfort, kindness and practical support to patients and families when it matters most, they help run our fleet of charity shops, they help out at our flagship events and they ensure our specialist unit is maintained for our patients and families. Their contribution often happens quietly, but its impact is profound. This week is our chance to say thank you, share some of their stories, and celebrate the difference they make every single day.
Ryan Diaper – a volunteer at our Plymstock shop
For Ryan Diaper, one of our dedicated volunteers at the Plymstock shop, giving back has always been part of who he is. Over the past 10 years, Ryan has supported a range of local charities, driven by a genuine desire to help others.
His connection to St Luke’s is also deeply personal. After his cousin was cared for by the hospice, Ryan saw first-hand the compassion and support offered to patients and families. It made a lasting impression. He also shares that the team have been understanding and supportive of his autism, something that has helped him feel confident and valued in his role.
Ryan volunteers every Tuesday at the shop on Plymstock Broadway, and for him, it’s all about people. “I enjoy meeting new faces and being part of the local community,” he says,
Shop Manager Darren Greenfield describes Ryan as an amazing addition to the team. “He does so much for us. There is nothing Ryan would not do for our charity, he is always going out of his way.”
Ryan is known for bringing his energy and enthusiasm to his role, especially when it comes to fundraising. Known as a bit of an expert in selling our St Luke’s lottery and raffle tickets, Ryan has his own way of drawing people in – often by dressing up in costume. From the Grinch to Santa, and even Bluey, his efforts never fail to raise a smile.
Mary Burroughs, a volunteer with our Patient and Family Support Service
A PA for her whole working life, in the corporate world and at Derriford Hospital, Mary Burroughs found herself with time on her hands after she retired and she now volunteers for St Luke’s one morning a week as part of our Patient and Family Support Service.
The core professional Patient and Family Support Service team is reinforced by 20 regular trained volunteers. Some have been with St Luke’s for more than two decades while others are just beginning their volunteer journeys, together bringing an extraordinary range of life experience, compassion and commitment to the roles of befriending for patients and bereavement support for family members. Mary has been volunteering for the past 6 years and now helps interview new volunteers joining the service.
“Life has been very good to me, touch wood, and I wanted to do something to give back. I had no experience of family or friends being cared for by St Luke’s, and I didn’t know anyone else who volunteered for the hospice, but one morning I felt I must do something with myself. I like people and I like listening to them and talking to them, so what could I do?” says Mary, who found her inspiration on St Luke’s website.
“I went into it with an open mind. I did the training and if it wasn’t right for me, I would have put my hands up. But I get such a lot out of offering both befriending and bereavement support. It’s lovely to have a worthwhile purpose.
“It is very humbling. People are talking to you at the lowest point in their life. They are very fragile, and you have to adapt to their situation. All the clients I have had have been gorgeous. I absolutely love it. I wish I could have done it sooner.”
Lewis Anane-Howard, a volunteer with our Patient and Family Support Service
At 23 Lewis Anane-Howard is currently the youngest Patient and Family Services volunteer. After an early career as a firefighter and experience as a Samaritans volunteer in Taunton, he developed a keen interest in mental health and chose to study counselling and psychology.
After starting his degree course at Plymouth University, Lewis – a new father whose wife is a medical student based at Derriford Hospital – wanted to give some time to help other people through terminal illness and bereavement, while using and expanding his own skills.
Mary and Lewis with their fellow Patient and Family Support Service Volunteers
He said: “I knew about hospices because my partner’s mum passed away in a different hospice a few years ago. I applied for a vacancy at St Luke’s and after training I took on my first client in October last year.
“I find it very rewarding and have got on well with the people I support. Being warm and honest and having empathy and integrity are the most important things, as well as an awareness of your own values and scars.
“It’s great to work alongside people with a social work background and other volunteers with lots of experience. There is such a lot of expertise to learn from, and they are always at the end of the phone if I need them.”
Viv Oxley, one of our longest-serving volunteers at our City Centre Drake shop
At 73, Viv Oxley has given more than a decade of her time to St Luke’s, volunteering two afternoons a week at our City Centre Drake store. Most recently, she had the honour of cutting the ribbon when the newly refurbished Drake store reopened last month – a fitting moment to recognise her commitment.
Viv first came to St Luke’s after spotting an advert in the shop window. What began as a simple decision has become a valued part of her weekly routine. Having previously worked in a chemist, she missed being around people, and volunteering gave her that connection back. As Viv puts it, “Meeting people is what I missed the most – that social aspect.”
Her support is also rooted in personal experience. Viv’s husband was cared for at home by a Macmillan nurse based at St Luke’s, and that care left a lasting impression. Volunteering felt like a meaningful way to give something back.
She thrives in the busy atmosphere of the Drake shop. For Viv, there’s always something to do – putting out stock, helping customers, or simply keeping things moving. Just as important is the sense of camaraderie. “We all have a good laugh together,” she says, and it’s that shared spirit that keeps her coming back.
Viv is clear about what she would say to anyone thinking of volunteering: “It’s good for your health, it gives you an interest again – and of course, it’s all for a good cause.”
Viv Oxley (far right) with Shop manager Susan Walker and full time shop assistant Maria Barlow (centre) and her fellow volunteers including Jeanette Mcgee (far left).
Jeanette McGee has been volunteering at St Luke’s Drake shop since retiring in 2014, after a period of ill health that made her reflect on how she wanted to spend her time. Now 77, she gives a morning each week to the shop, something she says has brought both structure and meaning back into her life. “I hadn’t been all that well, but then I started to feel better, and I feel it gives me a sense of purpose,” she explains.
For Jeanette, the value of volunteering is both personal and shared. She appreciates the simple rhythm of being there and the warmth of the team around her. “The staff in charge are always lovely,” she says, adding that the experience is “uplifting” and grounded in helping a cause that matters. “It is something to get out of bed for,” she adds.
When asked what she would say to others thinking about volunteering, her advice is gentle and honest: “If you need a bit of support yourself, it’s a good thing to do. And it’s for a good cause.”
If you ever visit our specialist unit at Turnchapel one of the first things you will notice are the carefully cultivated gardens surrounding the hospice building.
Every Wednesday a group of 6 volunteers have been giving up their time to dedicate some care and love to our gardens, keeping them pruned, de-weeded and full of life. Their hard work creates a peaceful, welcoming space for patients, families and staff to enjoy – a place where nature offers comfort and calm during difficult times.
Claire Hodgson works for The Department for Work and Pensions and volunteers every other Wednesday after first coming with a team from work as part of our corporate volunteering days.
“We did a day with my team from work and then I enquired about coming back to volunteer on my own,” she said. “I changed my working days to four days so that I could come on a Wednesday. I have had two close relatives that have been at St Luke’s in the past few years, so I know the good work they do.”
Visiting a hospice for the first time can be an extremely daunting prospect, but thanks to Claire and her fellow volunteers, any visitors are welcomed by a well-maintained oasis of greenery.
“The outside of the hospice is just as important as the inside. You see relatives coming and walking around the gardens and it’s nice if the gardens are looking good, they can go and sit in the gardens and reflect, it’s a calm place for people to go.
“I love working outside. It’s just a lovely place to work and everyone is always so grateful, it’s nice to do something for the hospice.”
Volunteers Claire Hodgson and Nigel Tucker
Nigel Tucker started volunteering here after the death of his wife and has found it not only fulfilling, but it also gives him a reason to get out and engage with others.
“I lost my wife Christine three years ago and I came here with my son who donated something and they said about volunteering and I thought that might be a good idea. It gets me out the house for a day to do something different and I’ve enjoyed it ever since.”
For our patients and family members who are staying at our specialist unit, the gardens become a daily viewpoint and calming spot, so the work the team have been doing makes an invaluable difference.
“It’s nice to see them out here enjoying the gardens, especially when they see you working and they appreciate it even more,” Nigel added.
Nigel spends his time tidying up the gardens, getting rid of weeds, cutting back the plants or de-heading the flowers so that come springtime they can flourish.
“I just get pleasure out of it because I feel as though I’m doing it for the people that are coming here and in distress. There is nothing worse than coming and visiting here and seeing how messy it is as you walk into the hospice building, so it’s nice to be able to make a difference.”
Volunteer Ali James with St Luke’s Retail Administrator Carly Strong
A lot of our volunteers are hidden away behind the scenes, quietly giving up their time to do a fantastic job for St Luke’s. People like Ali James who works with our small, but busy, retail admin team once a week, supporting the day-to-day running of our charity shops.
After she was made redundant from her banking job last December, Ali was looking for a voluntary role to give something back to the community and sent us an email asking if the hospice needed any help with administration.
“I took redundancy in December last year and I wanted to do something to give back and add a bit of value, if possible,” says Ali. “I’m Plymouth born and bred, and St Luke’s is such a big part of my community. And I have experience of St Luke’s care – they looked after my Grandma.
“I’m more than happy to give some time to help St Luke’s. The four hours is nothing really in the course of a week and I can be flexible to do a bit more too.”
Retail administrator Carly Strong responded to Ali’s email, and they realised they had previously worked together at the bank.
Carly says: “Ali is an absolute godsend. She works really hard, and her help is invaluable. She takes the pressure off, doing things like printing posters so that Demi and I can be there 100 per cent for the shops and their needs. She very quickly picked up everything we wanted her to do.”
For Ali, volunteering with St Luke’s is more than giving back – she feels the personal rewards too.
“I currently don’t have a job, and I like being able to interact with people and have a bit of structure. What I do each week is also quite varied, so it keeps my brain ticking over,” she says.
Her message to anyone considering volunteering is clear: “Volunteering isn’t only good for the hospice, it’s so good for you as an individual. Charities don’t have lots of money and they need as much support as they can get.
“This charity in particular is amazing for our city – so many people benefit from it.”
At the heart of everything we do are people who choose to give their time, their energy and their compassion. To our volunteers, thank you. Your support brings comfort, dignity and connection to those who need it most. It is felt in every conversation, every small gesture, and every moment of care.
If you have ever considered volunteering, this could be your moment. You do not need perfect experience or endless time. What matters is a willingness to be there for someone else. In return, you become part of something that truly matters, and the difference you make is real. Whether it is volunteering in one of our shops, lending your specialist knowledge to our e-commerce teams or volunteering at one of our flagship events, your time and your dedication makes the real difference. We are currently seeking some more volunteers for our shops, if you feel you can offer us your time we would love to hear from you.
Learn more about volunteering with St Luke’s here.
Volunteers’ Week is a national campaign that recognises and thanks people who give their time to support others. It is a chance to highlight their impact and share their stories. It runs from Monday 1 June to Sunday 7 June 2026.
Volunteers support almost every part of our work. They offer companionship to patients, comfort to families, help run our shops and maintain our spaces. Their contribution allows us to reach more people with care and compassion.
No. What matters most is your willingness to help, listen and be present. Full training and support are provided for every role.
There is no set minimum. Some volunteers give a few hours a month, while others commit to a regular weekly slot. We try to find something that fits around your life.
There are many ways to get involved. You can volunteer in our shops, support our Patient and Family Support Service, help at events, care for our gardens, or share specialist skills such as e-commerce or administration.
Many volunteers say it gives them a sense of purpose, connection and routine. It can be uplifting to know your time is making a real difference to others.
You can find out more and apply online here. Our team will guide you through the next steps and help you find a role that feels right for you.
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