Sandra retired after 35 years in IT and having cleaned every nook and cranny in the house, realised that she needed to find voluntary work to occupy some of her time. Her main criterion for choosing where to volunteer was proximity to home, so Compton Hospice was chosen. Sandra works in the office of Maggie Perry, Voluntary Service Manager, producing newsletters, posters, leaflets and keeping the volunteer database up to date.

 Sandra said Knowing that what I do is useful and helps such a good cause gives me that feel good glow and I can honestly say that I have had thank you said to me more often in the last 7 years at Compton, than in the previous 35! People at Compton are special and I enjoy working amongst them

Wolverhampton-born star of The Apprentice and Sky One’s The Big Idea, Ruth Badger, has recently joined the team of volunteers at Compton Hospice, working tirelessly to spread understanding of our work and rally support from the local community. Her passion for the specially-created role of ambassador was sparked by experiencing first-hand the care given to family members. And while Ruth may have stood her ground when faced by the wrath of Sir Alan Sugar, she admits she couldn’t do the work of staff and volunteers at Compton. Her admiration for their compassion, care and understanding has fuelled her dedication.

Ruth said: “It’s a privilege for me to become an ambassador and I’ll be doing all I can to bring in funds and highlight the wonderful work done at Compton Hospice.

“I want to remind people that charities still have to operate in business terms. Profit and loss is just as relevant to the hospice as it was to Sir Alan.

“In some ways the hospice faces greater difficulty in generating money, because people don’t always see the service they are paying for. I want to let them know, if ever they did need the service, they would be glad they helped keep it going.”

Stewart, 21, found himself questioning his life’s direction, and wondered if volunteering might provide an answer. He decided to start helping out at Compton and, after four years, says he has added the depth to his life he felt was lacking.

“I just looked at my life and realised what a shallow existence it was. I felt like a waste of space - getting drunk all the time - and wanted to do something meaningful,” he said.

“It takes courage to step away from the norm. People worry about what their peers say - and that stops people my age getting involved. All I have had, though, is support. My friends were surprised, but pleasantly so.

“I spend a couple of hours every other week on the ward, talking to patients. I still find it difficult at times, staying upbeat when you know how desperately ill some of them are, but the staff prepared me for what to expect. If your motives are right, you can do anything.

“I certainly feel more fulfilled for doing it.”

It can be difficult putting the needs of others before yourself, especially when life deals us a blow. But when Yvonne Walker, 46, lost her sight seven years ago, it was the beginning of a whole new chapter of her life. She gave up the supermarket tills and found herself immersed in more varied work for charities. She has worked in the transport office and PR departments of the Beacon Centre for the Blind and is now receptionist at Compton Hospice’s ‘Cedars’ site every Wednesday.

Yvonne said: “I thoroughly enjoy my work here. I have time rather than money to donate, so that’s what I give. There’s a wonderful atmosphere and I’ve made some great friends as well as being a respected and valued colleague.

“It’s certainly better than housework and helps keep my brain active!

“People are surprised to see someone with a disability in a ‘front of house’ position - even as a volunteer. I didn’t take the job to prove what blind people can do, but I hope it has that effect as well.”