Sobell House Hospice has revealed that its volunteers contributed 9,265 hours over the past year, equivalent to 4.75 full-time staff and valued at an estimated £108,000. The figures were announced during a volunteer appreciation event in June.
Volunteer Impact by the Numbers
Volunteer drivers covered 18,180 miles, helping transport 1,539 patients safely to the hospice and deliver equipment to homes. Combined with paid drivers, total mileage reached 31,810 miles—enough to circle the globe. Ward volunteers served 20,000 drinks to patients and visitors, a quantity that could fill the O2 Arena twice or more than 110 MINI fuel tanks. The hospice's shops rely on 107 volunteers, without whom operations would not be possible.
Rainbow of Ribbons Display
The hospice is preparing its Rainbow of Ribbons display in University Parks this weekend, featuring messages from loved ones. Special gold ribbons commemorate pioneers including Sir Michael Sobell, whose philanthropy helped establish the hospice; Dr Robert Twycross, the first full-time medical director; and Dr Donald Richards MBE, who integrated hospice care within the NHS. Deirdre Twycross said of her husband: "When I look back and ask myself why Robert did what he did, the answer is very simple. For him it was always about pain relief and symptom control. If someone is in pain, nothing else matters."
New Wantage Shop Opening
Sobell House has opened a new shop on Kings Walk in Wantage, just a few doors from the previous location but with more space. The shop opened on Saturday, with an official opening party planned for late July.
Fundraising Success: Garden Party and Cycle Challenge
Conifers Guest House raised £3,269.53 from a garden party in June. Ambassador Mike Wells said: "Harjeet's efforts were limitless and Sobell House is lucky to have such an enthusiastic supporter. The total funds raised on the day came to £3,269.53."
Mark Temple, an Oxford Bus Company driver, cycled from Anfield to the Kassam Stadium in 10 hours and five minutes in memory of his father and grandmother-in-law, raising funds for the hospice.
