Jean Boyes is a shining example of our dedicated, compassionate and caring volunteers who make our specialist care and support possible across our community. Not only has Jean played a key role at the centre of our expert hospice care for people living with terminal illness, but has generously given her time as a volunteer since our Starbeck shop opened for the very first time.
This week, Jean celebrates her 90th birthday and our team have organised celebrations including flowers and balloons at our Starbeck shop to mark the occasion. Here, Jean shares what being a part of our Saint Michael’s community means to her:
“I have enjoyed every day at Saint Michael’s. Everyone is so caring and lovely.
“After my husband died in 1995, I joined the Inpatient Team at Saint Michael’s Crimple House Hospice. I could relate to what the families there were going through and was pleased to be able to help by making them cups of tea and offering them emotional support.
“I knew everyone up at the hospice and everyone knew me. I still have some relatives of the people I helped care for come into see me and say hello in the shop.
“When the Starbeck shop opened, I was the very first volunteer! I split my time between volunteering at the hospice and in the shop. I have also helped out in Knaresborough over the years.
“We’ve had lots of lovely colleagues and Kim, our current manager, is so caring. She always makes time to stop and talk to people and make them feel welcome.
“We have lots of lovely regular customers here in the shop. We appreciate their support with doing our bit for the local community.
“If anyone is considering volunteering, I would say it is well-worth it. It’s a reason to get up and come out everyday and is so enjoyable.
“Having been a part of Saint Michael’s for almost 30 years, I have been lucky to celebrate a number of big birthdays with my friends from the hospice and my family. This year’s celebration has been lovely, as is every day here in our Starbeck shop.”
We wish Jean many happy returns and thank her and all of our incredible volunteers for their remarkable contribution to our care and support- we simply couldn’t do it without you!
