Meet #TeamDevine: Graham Hough, an Alexander Devine volunteer

At Alexander Devine we are one team. And we believe volunteers and staff collaborating across the charity makes us stronger and able to develop our children’s hospice service to reach more children and families that need us.

As it is #NationalVolunteerWeek, for this week’s #MeetTheTeam blog we asked one of our fundraising and care volunteers to tell us about his experiences. Graham has volunteered for six years with Alexander Devine and is very passionate about his support for our children’s hospice service.

This is what he told us:

 I describe my involvement with the hospice and all the wonderful people there, as my life leveller. I get such a great sense of satisfaction and achievement to help support such an organisation. To help make happy memories these children and families, what an invaluable privilege!

 

Six years ago I wanted to make valuable use of my free time and support a local charity. I did some research and came across Alexander Devine and its vision to build a comprehensive children’s hospice service for Berkshire. It really struck a chord with me and I felt inspired to do what I could to support them.

 

Initially I volunteered my time to help with fundraising, but now I also help as a Care Volunteer at the hospice, an initiative that was launched a year ago. It really does give me a greater sense of purpose, I feel like I am helping to make a difference not just to the charity but also to the wonderful children and families that it supports.

 

I would say that sibling days are probably some of my most favourite times. They are always so much fun and I know how hard that Catherine, Liz and the rest of the Alexander Devine team work to make them so special and memorable for the children.

 

Of course there are tough times as well. You build emotional attachment to the families and it can be very tough when there is sad news at the hospice. The support I get from the Care Team, as well as Debbie our Volunteer Development Manager, is really outstanding and helps with strengthening my resilience, especially when things are hard.

 

It has been tough not being able to volunteer due to coronovirus. I really miss that sense of purpose I got when I was at the hospice. If anything this time away from it has made me realise even more so how important it is for my own wellbeing – that sense of personal achievement and satisfaction for the benefit of others.

 

I can’t wait to be back at the hospice with the staff and children, helping to play my part in making moments that matter to children that truly deserve them.”

Graham Hough, Alexander Devine volunteer

Need our help?

The word hospice should not seem scary and getting support from us doesn’t have to mean a child’s death is imminent. Helping to enrich the lives of the children and their families is at the heart of our service, our end of life and bereavement support is just a part of what we do.

Our children’s hospice service covers the whole of Berkshire and into surrounding counties. If you think your child may be eligible for our services, please do get in touch.

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One of the greatest and most precious gifts our charity receives is time 💙💛We are fortunate to have 155 amazing volunteers who collectively donate around 2,000 hours of their time each year. Without their vital support, we would not be there for children and families that need us. This #VolunteersWeek we will be celebrating what inspires our volunteers to make their unique contributions to our charity, whether at the hospice or out in the community. If our volunteers inspire you to gift your time, you can learn more about volunteering with our charity here: www.alexanderdevine.org/volunteer#InspiringVolunteers #localcharity ... See MoreSee Less
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It was lovely to welcome Jon Davey, Community Champion from Tesco in Dedworth Road Windsor, to our children’s hospice last week with a very generous donation of books for our next children’s book sale. We are so grateful for the ongoing support that Jon and his team give to Alexander Devine. Their kindness makes such a difference to our charity 💙💛Tesco #CommunityChampion ... See MoreSee Less
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With 3 weeks until #ChildrensHospiceWeek, will you help us #RockTheBlue?!🙋‍♀️ Sign up to receive your #RockTheBlue fundraising pack💡 Plan your blue themed activity or challenge💙 Raise money and make a difference to local children with life- limiting and life-threatening conditions 👉 Visit www.alexanderdevine.org/rocktheblue or email our friendly fundraising team for help with your BLUE-ming brilliant ideas: fundraising@alexanderdevine.org #fundraisingfun #localcharity #childrenshospiceservice ... See MoreSee Less
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Alexander Devine Children’s Hospice Service is the operating name of Alexander Devine Children’s Cancer Trust. A company limited by guarantee registered in England and Wales No. 5757493

Copyright © 2019 Alexander Devine Children's Hospice Service. UK Registered Charity No. 1118947.