Hazel and Irene – shop volunteers

Hazel: “I began working here almost 10 years ago after my late husband Brian was a hospice patient. St Ann’s were so good to both him and me that I decided I wanted to give something back. When you’ve lost someone you need to get out and meet people. I’ve helped the charity and they’ve helped me as well.”

Irene said: “We’re great friends and would never have met each other if we hadn’t both come here to help on the same day. I’d recommend volunteering to anyone and there’s a lovely friendly atmosphere at St Ann’s.”

Their smiling faces can be seen helping customers at the School Road shop every Wednesday morning and both ladies are happy that fate brought them together.