Michelle Rogers, who lives in Chapel en le Frith, has volunteered at Buxton shop since January 2019, after she gave up her full-time work in 2016, due to when her Ataxia symptoms began.
Michelle was diagnosed with Ataxia (a neurological condition that can affect someone’s coordination, speech, and balance) after her symptoms began in 2016, aged 53. Michelle says: ‘It was doom and gloom at first, and I found the winters long and hard to cope with after I faced no employment.
‘Then, around November 2018 I was chatting with a friend who said he was doing a couple of mornings volunteering at the Blythe House shop in Whaley Bridge and how much he enjoyed it there. At this time, I lived in Whaley Bridge so I put my name on their volunteer waiting list and I decided to also try and see if there was space at their shop in Buxton. Here I met the manager of the Buxton shop Marie, and she was so lovely and welcoming to me and explained how she had availability at the Blythe House shop in Buxton on Monday and Thursday mornings from January 2019.
‘At first, I was nervous, but I needn’t be worried as my first shift on that Monday morning was amazing, the staff were so friendly and welcoming, particularly Steven whom we have over time become great friends.
‘In later years and due to when volunteers can or couldn’t work I moved my mornings to Thursdays and Fridays to help as much as I could.’
During Michelle’s time at Buxton shop, she explains: ‘I mainly sort the donations, ragging clothes that are torn/stained in bad condition, etc. and hanging the clothes onto our rails that are in a good clean condition for our wonderful shoppers.
‘I love working for Blythe House Hospicecare and Helen’s Trust, it’s such a great feeling knowing your input is helping to provide end-of-life care to those who need it most. It’s tremendous job satisfaction and I would recommend anyone with a few spare hours a week to become a volunteer at your local shop.
‘In my spare time, I love (when the weather permits) working on my garden. I have the help of the local farmers’ sheep to keep the length of the grass under control!’
Can you spare 4 hours f your time a week, and help volunteer at one of our five local charity shops? Find out how you can become a volunteer here.
