‘I get a huge sense of fulfilment from my volunteer role; it is so rewarding.’
Christine became a volunteer at Blythe House after being moved by the ‘wonderful’ care her beloved husband, David received from the hospice before he sadly died in January 2025.
David, who had vascular dementia, started to receive care and support in the comfort of his Chapel-en-le-Frith home in early 2024.
Healthcare assistants from the Hospice at Home team attended weekly to help Christine to bathe David; with Miriam and Angela, the hospice’s physical therapy team, providing aids and equipment to help keep David mobile.
Christine has spent a lot of her spare time supporting friends and elderly neighbours with tasks and companionship. Following David’s death, Christine decided she wanted to give something back to the hospice.
Christine attended the hospice’s thorough volunteer training in October 2025 where she met and learnt from skilled staff members about the hospice’s work, care and services.
Christine is now a regular patient-facing volunteer, supporting many groups and services including Footsteps with Grief, the hospice’s bereavement walking group; short walking group, supporting patients to improve their strength, balance and stamina; and Thursday patient peer support group providing a safe, comfortable environment for patients to meet like-minded people and chat to volunteers.
David and Christine
Christine is also involved in the hospice’s new monthly carers drop-in session, an informal event for anyone caring for someone with a long-term illness to come along for a hot drink, chat and friendly support. It’s held at the hospice in partnership with Alzheimer’s Society, Derbyshire Carers Association and High Peak CVS.
Christine said: ‘I didn’t realise that Blythe House provided care to anyone affected by life-limiting illness; I just thought it was for end-of-life care, so when our community matron suggested we get support from the hospice, I just hadn’t realised they could help us.
‘The care David and I received when David was poorly was just wonderful. Hospice staff went above and beyond to support us at home, and we were so grateful for everything they did for us.
‘I would recommend volunteering at Blythe House Hospice to anyone in our local community who feels they can give something back to such a worthwhile cause. I get a huge sense of fulfilment from my volunteer role; it is so rewarding.
‘I just want to help; rather than sitting around being brought a cup of tea, I’d prefer to do that for someone else, and to help them in any way I can on their journey.
‘The staff team here is so supportive. They work together so well and there is always someone around if you need a chat, or to ask for support.’
