Keeping it in the family: fashionista volunteers

Vicky Goodband and Maggie Mill help with everything from sorting through donations to window displays, dressing mannequins and chatting to customers. The pair were inspired to help after Vicky’s father, Alan Flowers, was cared for by Dr Kershaw’s’ Hospice at Home team in November 2020.

The pair were inspired to help after Vicky’s father, Alan Flowers, was cared for by Dr Kershaw’s’ Hospice at Home Team in November 2020.

Vicky Goodband, a hairdresser, said: “We are always doing things together, so it is great to be doing something that helps patients at Dr Kershaw’s. I set up a New Year’s resolution to give up one working day a week to do something good, and this was my choice.

“It’s brilliant to see all the amazing things people donate and know that we are putting a smile on someone’s face. Occasionally someone will tell me about how they have lost someone and I can lend a sympathetic ear – it is very rewarding.”

Maggie Mill added: “Volunteering has been really easy to fit around my normal life. Everyone has been so helpful, friendly and welcoming.”

Dr Kershaw’s Hospice has over 400 volunteers, who helped to save the Hospice almost £540,000 in staffing costs last year.