Elaine Cheadle - Why I volunteer for Saint Francis Hospice

Elaine Cheadle is one of the big-hearted volunteers at Saint Francis Hospice. She gives the gift of her time, skills and experience to help in so many roles across the hospice, from collecting people from their home and bringing them to therapy sessions and appointments at the hospice to cheering on runners at the London Marathon. This is Elaine’s story. 

When I retired from the Metropolitan Police in 2019 after 30 years of service, I planned to volunteer for a few months before starting a part-time job. Six years later, I am still here.  

I had no affiliation with Saint Francis Hospice, other than having played the Lottery and donated to Sponsor a Nurse for a few years - but they were the first charity to contact me after I’d signed up with Havering Volunteer Centre. 

I started volunteering with the Fundraising Team in November 2019, driving around the large catchment area in the van, collecting the donation boxes from stores and businesses, as well as delivering leaflets about the hospice’s services and equipment. 

I volunteered to help with the Christmas Tree Recycling in January 2020. I loved it and it is still my favourite fundraising event. It’s four days of graft but there are so many laughs along the way. Seeing everyone come together and raise so much money for people who need hospice care is incredible.  

Elaine volunteering in 2020

Next, I also helped with the day services at Pemberton Place as they needed drivers to transport people to therapies and activities at the hospice and then back home, and the ward needed someone to help with collecting prescriptions and bloods. 

This all stopped during the Covid pandemic. I began a new job working for the Ambulance Service as a non-clinical driver so I had less free time, but I helped on the ward and in fundraising when I could.  

Fast forward to June 2024, when I got a new job as a part-time bus driver! This gave me the opportunity to volunteer at more fundraising events. I am back helping with the day services in Pemberton Place too. I also collect and deliver mobility equipment to people's homes. This is sometimes done whilst an individual I have driven to the hospice is in their therapy session or appointment.  

Elaine volunteering at Christmas Tree Recycling 2024

I’m a people person and I love getting out and about in the community, meeting people and listening to their individual stories. Often, they’re happy to chat and tell you about their health condition which brings them to needing Hospice care, and I will happily listen and let them get it off their chest.  

A recent highlight of my time with the hospice was when I accompanied people under the care of the hospice and their loved ones on a day out to Westcliff - it was such a special day.  

Elaine at the London Marathon 2025

I must love volunteering because I’ve now taken on another role - helping the retail warehouse team sort through donations. I’ll be going out in the vans to the retail shops and will I will probably be a driver too if I’m needed.  

I feel so appreciated by the people under our care. The staff are always so appreciative of us too. They treat us well, and we all do great teamwork together. That’s why I give my time and I actively encourage other people to consider volunteering if they have the time, as it is so rewarding.