‘it’s about ordinary people helping ordinary people in times of crisis’

THE NURSE

ALISON BUNCE, 56, is a senior nurse at Ardgowan Hospice in Greenock. In 2016 she was awarded a Nightingale Travel Scholarship to study compassionate care methods in the US. She came across an enterprise called NODA (‘no one dies alone’) and has since instigated this and other caring initiatives across Inverclyde. Alison says: ‘We have an ageing population and NODA is about ordinary people helping ordinary people in times of crisis and at end of life. It makes a huge difference for those who would be lonely and alone. The companions (160 volunteers) who sit say it’s a privilege. I’m so proud that the initiative is now available in hospitals and every care home in our area.’

Muriel Searle, a NODA volunteer, who nominated Alison, says: ‘NODA means people who are dying, with no family or friends, can have the comfort of a companion to sit with them. Alison was responsible for getting this and many other caring initiatives started.’