Barbara’s volunteering story
Barbara has been a volunteer with Willow for nearly 7 years. She has helped many teams and is now supporting our Communications team. Every week, she creates heartfelt stories using the words of our beneficiaries, seeing firsthand the impact Willow has on the lives of seriously ill young adults.
“Willow is a wonderful charity to work for.I gain a lot from being around such a committed team working in the office and the spirit of togetherness.’’
‘’Hi, my name is Barbara and I volunteer in the Communications team writing case studies from our beneficiaries and selecting stories and photos for use on social media.
Sharing the stories of people we’ve supported is vital as it helps to paint a picture of the beneficiary’s life, diagnosis and the impact of their Special Day or Break. These stories can then be used to help raise awareness of the charity, which in turn (hopefully) raises funds to provide more Special Days.
I was inspired to join Willow after making a difficult decision to stop my freelance work. I had been widowed very unexpectedly and was then diagnosed with breast cancer. The combination of those two life changing events made me reassess my life. I wanted to volunteer for a charity that I would be able to empathise with and I was very lucky that within a month of giving up work I was offered a role at Willow as a Case Studies Volunteer. I felt it was the perfect role for me at the perfect time in my life.
There are so many Willow stories that stay in my mind, particularly young people receiving palliative care with a terminal diagnosis. I find it so unbelievably sad that they have not been able to live a long life. I don’t think those stories ever leave you, but it is always uplifting to see that a Special Day can bring a fragment of joy towards the end of their lives.
I am personally inspired by their courage and honesty in telling their stories and it gives you a greater perspective on your own life.
I would say to anyone thinking of volunteering that Willow is a wonderful charity to work for.I gain a lot from being around such a committed team working in the office and the spirit of togetherness. There is always a lot of laughter and tears. Be realistic about how much time you are able to commit and think about your skills and how best they can be utilised doing something you will enjoy.’’
Feeling inspired by Barbara’s story? Find out more about our volunteering opportunities.