Long serving volunteers, who are the grass roots of
St. Clare’s Hospice, were recognised at a special tea
party in June to say thank you to all those who have
given their time. The tea party took place during
Volunteers Week, which ran between Monday,
June 1 and Sunday, June 7 2015, a national week-
long celebration.
The event was attended by the Mayor and Mayoress
of South Tyneside, Cllr Richard Porthouse and Mrs
Patricia Porthouse who presented certificates to
our long serving volunteers.
Duffy’s Deli of Rowling Mill road, Jarrow, kindly
provided sandwiches for the day. The afternoon tea
was also supported by Lee’s Bakery of Stanhope
Road, South Shields who donated scones, and
Asda, South Shields who supplied the jam and
cream.
Chief Executive, David Hall, said: “St Clare’s Hospice is extremely fortunate to have such dedicated and passionate volunteers.
The Hospice simply could not function without its volunteers who support us in many departments within the Hospice including
Day Care, Reception, Fundraising, Retail and Board members. Therefore it’s so important to show our appreciation and let our
volunteers know how grateful we are and say a huge thank you!”
St. Clare’s have over 300 volunteers within the charity which demonstrates their importance. Some of the volunteers at the tea
party received certificates for up to 20 years of service at the Hospice.
64 year old, Sue Clouston from South Shields is one of the longest serving volunteers to be recognised and has been
volunteering for 20 years at the Hospice. She is currently a Trustee and supports the fundraising department and reception.
Sue first got involved with the Hospice when she had breast cancer. Her brother used to volunteer as an ambulance driver and
suggested that she attend to the Day Care unit.
She said: “I didn’t want to go to Day Care because of the misconception that people only go to a Hospice to die, but so much
more than that goes on. The services which they offer to the community are amazing. “My brother had received treatment at
St. Clare’s and, over the years, I have had friends spend their final days in the Hospice. When you visit patients, you can just
see the quality of service and personal care which they provide.”
Over the years Sue has volunteered for different roles within the Hospice including fundraising and retail, and she was part of
the opening of the Horsley Hill shop 15 years ago. She said: “I have met so many new people since volunteering and I’ve made
some great friends. I don’t know where the 20 years have gone! The Hospice has just become such a big part of my life and I
would encourage other people to volunteer for such a good cause.”
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If you would like more information on how to become a volunteer visit our website
or email:
Mayor & Mayoress, Richard & Patricia Porthouse
with long-serving volunteers.
Honouring Long Serving Volunteers
Retail
We have vacancies available in our
Charity Shops across South Tyneside.
Hours are available between 9.30am
and 4.30pm, Monday to Saturday. We
ask that you volunteer for a minimum of
3 hours per week.
Magistrates Tea Bar
We need help at the Tea Bar within the
Magistrates Court in South Shields. Hours
available between 9.30am and 3.30pm
Monday to Friday. You will be expected to
prepare drinks and serve customers.
Fundraising
The fundraising team are looking
for volunteers to help them at
fundraising events throughout
the year on an ad-hoc basis.
Duties could include registering
particpants, manning a stall or
collection days.
