Linda Brill - Volunteering at Saint Francis Hospice

I first started volunteering at Saint Francis Hospice in 2014, joining the ward team for what became eight fulfilling years.

My decision to volunteer came from a deeply personal place — I have lost two brothers and a sister to cancer, and my brother John spent time in the hospice. The care he received was remarkable. I wanted to give something back. I couldn’t offer money, but I could give my time.

I had to wait three years after my bereavement before I could volunteer, but when I finally joined, it was such a touching experience to discover that the nurses still remembered my brother from all those years before. Out of all the people who had come through, they remembered him — and me. That meant so much.

People often think a hospice is a gloomy place, but it’s the opposite. Everything is done to make a person's end of life as comfortable and dignified as possible. There are beautiful gardens, bright spaces, and an atmosphere full of warmth. It’s a place where families know their loved ones are receiving 100% attention and care.

When my husband Michael passed away, I found it too emotional to continue on the ward, so I joined the reception team instead. Now, I volunteer one Sunday a month and whenever I’m needed.

Christmas has always been a family time for me, but since losing Michael, it’s never felt the same.

I volunteered on reception on Christmas Day 2024 because I know it’s a difficult time to get volunteers and I was so pleased I had gone in. Even though visitors were coming to see very unwell loved ones, there was still Christmas spirit in the air — people wearing festive jumpers, a warmth in their interactions. It felt special. That Christmas morning was filled with a different kind of joy, and I left feeling I had truly contributed.

This year, I’ll be volunteering again on Christmas Day. It’s rewarding, it gives me purpose, and it feels right. The hospice has given so much to me — not only through the care my family has received but also through the support I’ve had, including bereavement counselling after Michael died. I’ve gained so much from being part of Saint Francis Hospice, and volunteering on Christmas Day is one small way I can give something back.