She’s my angel – how hospice helper Debbie is giving something back
EVERY Wednesday, an angel walks through the front door of James Boston’s Bristol home.
Her name is Debbie Weston, a volunteer for the St Peter’s Hospice Neighbours Network.
The network of volunteers help people and families in their own homes who are being supported by the charity.
They can carry out tasks such as helping with cooking and cleaning, or even just spend time having a chat.
Debbie has been visiting James Boston, from Stockwood, for the past three years.
The 63-year-old, who is currently battling cancer, describes her as his “angel”.
James, who attends St Peter’s day hospice, was first diagnosed with cancer of the salivary gland in 2013.
He had surgery and radiotherapy and was given the all-clear, only for
the cancer to return three years later, spreading to his lymph glands, lungs and lower spine.
James, a father-of-one and former mechanic, had surgery on his spine and further radiotherapy, and is now on medication.
But the cancer has left him weak and unable to carry out everyday tasks.
“There are some things I just can’t do as a result of my illness,” he said.
“Debbie comes every Wednesday evening to help out in the home.
“This can be anything from hoovering to cooking and changing the bed. Her visit makes such a difference to me and helps me manage in my own home.
“She is nothing short of an angel.” Debbie, who works in banking, started volunteering at the hospice three years ago, serving meals and drinks to patients one Sunday a month.
And when she was given the opportunity to become part of the Neighbours Network, she grabbed it.
She is also now part of the hospice’s bereavement support team.
“James was the first person I visited and he’s been part of my life for the past three years,” she said.
“I really enjoy volunteering and it’s completely different from my day job.
“I get far more out of it than I put in, and it’s very rewarding.
“I lost both my parents to cancer, and this is my way of giving something back.
“James has become a great friend. As well as helping out with everyday tasks, often we will just sit and have a good chat.
“I’d recommend being part of the Neighbours Network to anyone. It brings something extra to my life.”
The hospice is currently recruiting for more volunteers to join its Neighbours Network.
The appeal comes during Open Up Hospice Care week, held annually to raise awareness about the work of hospices in the UK.
To find out more about joining the Neighbours Network, contact hospice volunteer co-ordinator Russell on 0117 915 9448.