‘Being their Santa last year was great as I love meeting people’
Trevor Cast (54) is a retired fire fighter originally from Nottingham, now living in Bangor. He is married to Maura (56). He says:
In 2012 Maura had breast cancer and was treated in Nottingham and we then moved to Northern Ireland, where her parents are originally from, in 2013.
In between Maura being diagnosed with breast cancer and her operation, my mum died of pancreatic cancer and when we moved over here I wanted something to do in my retirement that would directly support the work done by cancer charities.
Maura was going to the art therapy group at Belfast City Hospital, which was run by Cancer Focus NI, and she told me they were always looking for volunteers.
One of the other reasons I volunteer is because when we first came over here Maura didn’t know anyone and getting involved in art therapy led to her meeting lots of people and making lifelong friends.
To me it’s a way of paying them back for everything they’ve done for us and the great treatment that Maura got.
The most important part of that is raising funds for the research that they do.
One in three people are affected directly by cancer — it touches everyone and I like to feel I’m doing my bit.
The primary role I have is driving, taking patients to hospi- tal appointments, and then helping out at fundraising events like dog walking and bag packing.
I also drop leaflets round to doctors’ surgeries and other venues, giving information on awareness and the services they provide.
I was their Santa last year which was great fun, as I love meeting people — cracking jokes and making the kids laugh.
I think if you’re on your own and you have cancer, are getting over it, or if you’ve lost someone, Christmas can be a poignant time.
It’s a celebration, but it can be a very emotional time for many people.
Getting involved in activities, like bag packing, also helps raise awareness of the charity and the work it does, spreading the word about the services available.
I get a lot of satisfaction in helping out and it gives you a good feeling to know you’re doing something worthwhile that will ultimately help others.”