Two Decades of Dedication and Friendship at Doncaster Royal Infirmary
Two remarkable volunteers at Doncaster and Bassetlaw Teaching Hospitals (DBTH) are celebrating a unique and heartwarming milestone this year. Margo Ram and Yvonne Barnes have dedicated an incredible 20 years of voluntary service to Doncaster Royal Infirmary, having started their journey on the very same day in June 2005 and remaining steadfast friends ever since.
A Familiar and Friendly Face at Hospital Reception
For nearly two decades, Margo and Yvonne have been a familiar and friendly presence at the main reception of Doncaster Royal Infirmary, providing essential voluntary services to the Trust. Reflecting on their initial meeting, the pair agree wholeheartedly: "We gelled straight away!" Their first three weeks of volunteer training were led by John Cassidy, a witty and well-liked mentor at the Trust and former police officer from Scotland. Margo, a Scot herself, fondly remembers his banter, which reminded her of her late father.
Those early days established the tone for what volunteering would become for them both: an experience full of genuine human connection and mutual support. The duo makes a wonderfully complementary pair – both possessing natural warmth and calmness, but with unmistakable cheeky humour and quick wit, especially when they are together.
The Power of Shared Humour and Instinctive Understanding
Yvonne explained the secret to their successful partnership: "The thing that makes working together so fulfilling is having a sense of humour. We know instinctively what each other is thinking." During their extensive time at the front desk, Margo and Yvonne have encountered their fair share of dramas and memorable characters, as well as witnessing key events in the Trust's history.
Notably, they were volunteers throughout the challenging coronavirus pandemic, though for their protection and the safety of others, they remained at home for several weeks during the peak. The pair were also present during a significant royal visit in December 2008 when Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal, Anne, came to Doncaster Royal Infirmary.
Supporting Each Other Through Difficult Moments
When asked how they support one another during difficult moments on the job, Margo offered a simple yet profound answer: "You just give a shoulder to cry on and a listening ear." Their time as volunteers is nearly as long as their previous careers, with Yvonne having worked as a school secretary for 26 years, while Margo was a dinner lady. Despite coming from different professional backgrounds, they both brought with them a shared love of people and community spirit.
Margo and Yvonne play a vital role in helping patients and visitors find their way, often at moments when reassurance matters most. They pride themselves on being able to read the room intuitively, knowing when someone needs a smile or a light-hearted joke, and when they simply need calm, clear directions.
Adapting to Change While Maintaining Core Values
Margo said: "We love having banter with visitors. We've got a good eye for who is up for a joke." Despite many things remaining constant, a lot has changed during their two decades of service, as Yvonne explained. She noted: "We've noticed maybe more people need help finding places or departments, or phoning for taxis. Even just having a word with them. We still enjoy coming to the desk, meeting people, helping others and working with other staff."
A Friendship That Extends Beyond Volunteering
Outside of their volunteering duties, their friendship continues to flourish. Twenty years on, Margo, Yvonne and other volunteers still meet up weekly to socialise. One such volunteer is Sue, who also has 20 years of volunteering service with the Trust and joined the team just a few months after Margo and Yvonne in 2005.
Sue first stepped in to temporarily cover for Yvonne at the reception desk. When Yvonne returned, the connection between the three was immediate, and the group quickly became inseparable, as Margo explained. She affectionately said: "Sue is the third member of our team – the three degrees!"
Recognition and Celebration of Service
In December 2025, the Trust celebrated its incredible volunteers with a special Christmas brunch, funded by Doncaster and Bassetlaw Teaching Hospitals Charity. This event served as a small thank you for the enormous contribution volunteers like Margo, Yvonne and Sue make every single week and provided an opportunity to recognise those who have reached significant long service milestones.
Karen Jessop, chief nurse at DBTH, commented on their remarkable contribution: "Margo and Yvonne have made an important contribution to Doncaster Royal Infirmary over the past 20 years. As volunteers at the main reception, they support patients and visitors at what can often be a stressful time, offering clear guidance, reassurance and a welcoming presence. Their service and friendship highlight the positive role volunteering plays for individuals and the wider hospital community."
To enquire about voluntary roles across the Trust, individuals can contact Voluntary Services on 01302 644403, or e-mail nicola.ramshaw@nhs.net.
