A grandmother whose family received years of care and support from East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH) is encouraging others to join her in volunteering at the charity’s Ely shop. Hazel Brown, 75, has been lending a hand in the High Street store since it opened in October 2018.
She says helping out is her way of thanking the charity for everything it did for her family. Hazel’s granddaughter, Lucy Johnson, received care and support at EACH’s hospice in Milton from the age of two after being diagnosed with Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome (LGS) – a severe form of childhood-onset epilepsy. Lucy died in April 2018, aged 12. Just six months later, when the Ely shop officially opened, the ribbon was cut by Lucy’s twin brother, Liam, now 20, who had earlier raised an incredible £23,500 for EACH by organising a football match at Soham Town Rangers.
Family Fundraising and Personal Gratitude
Lucy’s parents, Sharon and Andrew, have also supported the charity through fundraising events, including taking part in EACH’s King’s Lynn Bubble Rush. Now Hazel is sharing her own story to encourage more people to join the volunteer team during a two-week recruitment campaign running exclusively at the Ely shop.
“We still miss our little girl terribly, and that’s why I’m here to this day. It’s my way of saying thank you,” she said. Hazel volunteers every Monday and Thursday morning and says the role has become an important part of her life.
“I’ve met so many wonderful people through volunteering. It keeps me going and gives me something to focus on, rather than sitting at home. I’m proud of our shop. It’s lovely and everyone is so friendly. I’d encourage anyone to give volunteering here a go.”
Volunteer Roles and Recruitment Campaign
There are a wide variety of volunteer roles available to suit different skills and interests, including serving customers, sorting and pricing donations, dressing windows, steaming clothes, testing electrical items and listing products on eBay. “Hazel has been part of the Ely shop team since day one and is a wonderful example of the difference volunteers make,” said the charity's Sue Mitson. “We’d love to welcome more people to join our friendly team.
“Whether you can spare a couple of hours a week or more, every volunteer helps us continue providing vital care and support for children, young people and families across East Anglia.” Anyone interested in volunteering at the Ely shop is encouraged to pop in for a chat, call 01353 888881 or email: volunteerServices@each.org.uk
