We mark Strathcarron’s 45^th anniversary this year – and Karen has remarkably been volunteering almost as long as the hospice has been in existence!

 

Karen has volunteered for Strathcarron for over 40 years!

Here she shares her story:

 

“I was working as a school secretary at Lornshill Academy, when one day the head cook said they were catering for a craft fair in the Albert Halls in Stirling held by Sauchie and District Friends of Strathcarron in aid of the Hospice.

 

“They needed help to serve teas and coffees.

 

“That first encounter led to me helping with Sauchie and District Friends of Strathcarron, hosting coffee mornings, craft fairs and doing bucket collections a couple of times a year.

 

“I assist the fundraising team with can collections, knit items to be sold on for the Hospice and I’m also the team leader for collections for the Strathcarron Singers Choir.

 

“In 1979, my father and my father-in-law had both been in hospital at the same time with cancer and there was no such thing as a hospice back then up in Aberdeen where we lived.

My father-in-law was sent home and his final weeks were horrendous. It would have been very different if he had access to hospice care.

 

“It really did make me realise how essential hospice care was and getting that support right for end of life. When the opportunity to volunteer came up it just seemed like a good match.

 

“Pre COVID19 I had around 100 locations to collect from, with 30 or 40 regularly filling a can with coins. With things in society changing so much and less people carrying cash, it’s more like 12-15 cans a month filled on average now, so we would encourage people to donate online if they can.

 

“I really enjoy my volunteering for the Hospice. Everything about it just feels right.”

 

For 45 years, with the support of people like Karen, Strathcarron Hospice has been helping people in our community, for our community, with our community, enabling people to live and die well.

If you could donate some of your time to support Strathcarron we would love to hear from you!

Join in and Celebrate 45! Sign up today Apply for volunteering | Strathcarron Hospice 

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