Janet Moore - Why I volunteer at the Saint Francis Hospice shop in Loughton
Janet Moore has been volunteering at the Saint Francis Hospice shop in High Street, Loughton since July 2024. Here Janet shares how volunteering is her way of helping to ensure people like her best friend Gaynor receive the best palliative and end of life care they deserve.
I applied to volunteer after reading an article in the local newspaper about Sir Trevor Brooking opening a new shop in Loughton, in May 2024.
I like Sir Trevor, and I was impressed that he was a supporter of the hospice.
Gaynor, my best friend of 27 years, passed away at Saint Francis Hospice in 2014 and I experienced what an amazing place it was.
She had cancer and had been ill since 2007. Gaynor used to take part in therapeutic activities such as arts and crafts at the hospice. I went with her a few times, and I remember she made a bird box and a silk scarf.
She really looked forward to going to the hospice. When you are ill, it isn’t easy to get out and the hospice was a safe environment. Even if she wanted to sit and do nothing, she had people around her to talk to and to share stories with.
When she became very poorly, she had a bed on the ward. I thought it was amazing, and I saw how the hospice gave her dignity. There was a drinks trolley that used to go around. It was a touch of home comfort and I thought it was fantastic. There were no visiting restrictions, and I could even have stayed overnight. I was there when she passed away.
I am retired and previously worked in financial services marketing in London where I organised events, brochures and advertising. The retail sector was completely new to me when I started volunteering and I’ve learnt new skills including pricing items for sale and window dressing.
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Janet with her friend Gaynor
What I enjoy most about volunteering is the social interaction. I live alone and most of my friends are still working so I get to talk to lots of people. I have made new friends, and we have even been out to dinner.
The most exciting thing for me to do at the shop is go on the till. I love it when I make a sale as I know it is making money for the hospice. It is great when people sign up to Gift Aid, and I can tell them that their donation is going even further as the hospice will receive an extra 25p in every pound.
It’s very satisfying to help customers find something they are looking for.
On one occasion a customer told us that she was going to have lunch with her family for Saint Patrick’s Day and she was looking for something green to wear. We helped her find a lovely green and black top. She bought it and was very happy with it.
I also think it makes a real difference when we say ‘hello’ to people coming into the shop. And when they leave to say, ‘thank you for coming in.’ Even if they have not bought anything, you want them to feel valued, so they come back.
