By Isle of Wight Observer
This week, Mountbatten Hospice honoured the amazing efforts of their dedicated volunteers during a special ceremony. CEO, Nigel Hartley, and IW High Sheriff, Graham Biss, presented long service awards, recognising commitments ranging from five to 25 years. Guests enjoyed a delightful lunch, prepared in the hospice’s kitchen, as part of the celebration.
Nigel highlighted the indispensable role volunteers play within the organisation. Graham echoed this sentiment with an additional heartfelt message on behalf of the community: “Thank you, thank you, thank you.”
Following the ceremony, Nigel took a few minutes in the beautiful garden, also maintained by volunteers, to discuss the critical contributions of the individuals to Mountbatten. He emphasised that the hospice simply could not function without the support of its hundreds of volunteers, and spoke about the various opportunities available.
Nigel is particularly eager to attract younger volunteers. He believes their presence in and around the hospice is vital, especially for younger patients facing end-of-life situations, as it provides a sense of comfort and relatability.
Additionally, Nigel would like to expand the team of volunteers who visit people at home, addressing loneliness and practical needs, such as ensuring there is food in the fridge. While he acknowledges that this role may not suit everyone, he assures potential volunteers that comprehensive training and support are provided, and many find the experience profoundly rewarding.
He was keen to stress there are numerous ways to get involved, from assisting in the shops and café to simply ensuring patients are comfortable. He explained: “We receive many letters, but they rarely mention the expert pain relief. Instead, they thank us for the cups of tea and the blankets we provide when needed. People often consider these ‘little things’ trivial, but they’re not. They are incredibly important.”
If you feel inspired to become a hospice hero, visit Mountbatten’s website via iw.observer/mountbatten-volunteer, or call 529511 to express your interest in volunteering. You can see the photos from the day at iw.observer/mountbattenteaparty or use the QR code on this page.
For more insights from our interview with Nigel, including why he believes the Walk the Wight event has raised an impressive £530,000 — twice as much as in recent years — visit iw.observer/interview-nigelhartley.
Mal Butler