This International Women’s Day, we’re taking the opportunity to celebrate the achievements and contributions of women across our communities.
Just one of the remarkable women who inspire us is longstanding volunteer, Jean Boyes.
Over Jean’s 27 years at Saint Michael’s, she has been a shining example of our dedicated, compassionate and caring volunteers who make our specialist care possible. Jean was at the centre of our expert hospice care for people living with terminal illness for over fifteen years, and has been at the heart of our Starbeck shop ever since opening.
After Jean’s husband died in 1994, she volunteered in the Inpatient Team at Saint Michael’s Hospice. Jean could relate to what the families there were going through and helped making cups of tea and offering them emotional support. Everyone at the hospice knew Jean for her warmth, friendship and good humour.
Volunteers like Jean are pivotal in making it easier for families and friends to spend more time with their loved ones, and we are so grateful for their support.
Jean continues to volunteer each week in our Starbeck shop – where she was our very first volunteer. You may have heard that we had the privilege of helping Jean celebrate her 90th birthday last year! As an example of her lasting impact, relatives of the people Jean helped care for decades ago still come into our shop to see her today.
To recognise Jean’s longstanding contribution and say thank you, we invite you to vote for her in the Yorkshire Choice Awards: https://www.yorkshirechoiceawards.co.uk/votehere Scroll down to “Volunteer of the Year” and select Jean Boyes from the drop down menu.
