From supporter, to volunteer, to staff member, Clare’s involvement with Weldmar Hospicecare began by chance when she was listening to local radio station, Wessex FM, on the drive home from work, and they were encouraging listeners to sign up for a fundraising trek to Iceland for the charity.

It grabbed Clare’s attention because it happened that her cousin was receiving end of life care in Nottinghamshire at the time, and Clare admits she really didn’t know much about hospices. Having heard the appeal on the radio, she looked up Weldmar on line when she got home, discovered more about what they do and how they help and make a difference to families like her own. It made her want to do all that she could to support her local hospice.

It all started by being part of that team that went to Iceland. Subsequently, Clare did everything from organise events, such as an 80s themed disco and a family fun day in Chickerell, through to making bags of ‘reindeer food’ every year in the lead up to Christmas, which was magical for the children who attended the nursery she worked at.

Clare says ‘it was a real compliment and an honour’ to be asked to become a Volunteer Ambassador, stepping in for staff members representing Weldmar at events, talks, and cheque presentations, and then when the opportunity came up to join the fundraising team as a member of staff, there were no second thoughts.

“I had worked for 32 years in childcare, and I loved it but this was a dream job for me. Supporting and encouraging other people who are fundraising, cheering them on or putting a medal around their neck, is something I love, but every day I also learn something new about what we do and how we help people. Weldmar is constantly evolving, and I love that.”