Farewell after over 5,000 hours of volunteering
A well-respected volunteer leaves the QEH this week after giving over 5,000 hours of service to the Macmillan Unit.
John Timms started volunteering at the Trust after the death of his wife, Fiona, who received treatment at the unit in 2009.
As a website designer, John quickly put his skills into play and was instrumental in setting-up the Macmillan Information and Support Service, which gives patients and relatives vital advice and information throughout their cancer journey.
The Macmillan team gathered today to present John with gifts and cards, including an overnight stay at a golf course, to thank him for all he has done for them over the last decade.
Laura Skaife-Knight, QEH’s Deputy Chief Executive, said: “Thank you so much to John for the time his has given to this centre and hospital over the last eight years and for all he has done to improve the experience of our patients, their families and staff. John was instrumental in setting up this centre, and is a valued and appreciated part of the team. John is a computer wiz, a friendly face who makes colleagues smile even on the most difficult of days and is fantastic at problem-solving. He has become part of the furniture here and I know will be sorely missed by patients, staff and other volunteers. On behalf of the Trust Board, thank you to John for everything.”
Vicky Mitchell, Patient Information Manager who worked closely with John, said: “We will all miss him greatly, his service to QEH has been outstanding and I am particularly grateful to the time I have spent with him, he has always brightened my day and helped me enormously.”
John said: “I’ll miss the people the most. I’ve been here for over eight years, helping to set up the information office and assisting patients and relatives and supporting staff.
“The team were a great help to my wife when she was being treated, they all became like a second family. I’m sorry to say goodbye – my time here has been really enjoyable. Thank you.”
If you would like to find out more about volunteering at the QEH, call the Voluntary Services Office on 01553 613205 or email VolunteerApplications@qehkl.nhs.uk.
—ENDS—
Pictured: John Timms, seated right, with colleagues from TeamQEH and Macmillan Unit
To download the press release and photos, click here.
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