Student Volunteering Week 2020 – Sara’s story
Published on: 14 February 2020
Volunteers are at the heart of what we do at Lymphoma Action and we welcome volunteers of all ages, backgrounds and experiences.
Sara, who has just started volunteering with us as a Support Group Organiser, is currently studying for her Social Work degree:
‘As a young person, I volunteered in a variety of roles. But over the years, life got busy and slowly these roles faded away due to a busy work schedule, studying and looking after my three children, including one with complex needs.
When I began my Social Work degree, there was a part of me that was pleased to hear that in order to progress, I would need to do some volunteering. With this in mind I took my time and did my research trying to discover a volunteering post that I could both fit into my schedule and one that I felt a connection with. Around this time, I found an advert for a role as a Support Group Organiser with Lymphoma Action.
Next week it will be 13 years since my mum passed away from Hodgkin lymphoma at the age of 38. As a teenager at the time, I don’t remember everything, but I do remember the lack of knowledge and support my family were offered. I believe this is why the charity stuck out to me and I felt instantly drawn to the idea of giving others what I so desperately needed at that time in my life.'
I am very new to this voluntary role, but I am trying to learn as much as I can in preparation for my first support group meeting. I have a busy life, but the team at Lymphoma Action has gone above and beyond in helping me; to both make sure I achieve the hours required for my course, as well as recognising and understanding my busy schedule. The patience and kindness they afforded me when overcoming a recent illness has made me even more eager to become part of their team.
If you’d like to volunteer with us, you can find out more or email volunteering@lymphoma-action.org.uk with any queries. By giving your time, you can help us make a meaningful difference to people affected by lymphoma and be part of our valued volunteer community.
14 February 2020