Denise's volunteering story
Denise shares her experience of volunteering.
My decision to look at volunteering with Lymphoma Action came about as I decided to give something back following a diagnosis of non–Hodgkin lymphoma in 2009. Since then I have been diagnosed with low grade three times and once with high grade transformation, having radiotherapy and chemotherapy treatments.
When I initially joined as a volunteer in 2018, I supported Lymphoma Action in launching a support group in Stratford-upon-Avon and Warwick. The highlight of getting involved was being able to bring people together people who had various experiences of lymphoma, whether they had a diagnosis themselves or were caring for a loved one with lymphoma.
Fast forward to 2020, and with everything moving online, my role changed to an Online Support Facilitator. Now I facilitate peer-support meetings, but virtually. During this time, I put myself forward to get involved wherever I could. I am a volunteer with the check in and chat service, where I make monthly phone calls to a number of individuals who do not access online services.
I am also involved in the Reader Panel where I review Lymphoma Action’s information then give my view on it.
Living through difficult circumstances can have an emotional and mentally exhausting effect on someone, so having a safe space where people can offer support to each other having had a first-hand experience of similar situations, is invaluable.
On a personal note, my husband and our two daughters took part in the Bridges of London Walk back in 2019, successfully completing it and raising just over £1,000.