May marked Maggie’s five years as a hospice volunteer

Wellbeing Centre volunteer Maggie Young stands out from the crowd with her colourful hairdo’s which really catch the eye.

She’s also got a distinctive accent. She’s from Hull originally and moved from east to west, from Humberside to Merseyside around thriteen years ago. She’s got tales to tell and loves a good laugh which are some of  the reasons she’s so popular with patients, staff and her volunteer colleagues who have become good friends in recent years.

The self-named Golden Girls, Maggie, Pauline, Sue, Fiona and Sandra (their sixth member Muriel sadly passed away last year), now meet often outside of the hospice for a bite to eat, maybe a glass of something refreshing and to share stories and laughter together.

Maggie’s spent a lifetime in occupations designed to help other people; A care officer helping young offenders while fostering a young family of four siblings for around twelve years when she was in Hull.

Maggie also cared for her first husband Steve as he lived with his oesophagus cancer, while bringing up her sons Paul, who still lives in Hull, and Mark, once a professional rugby league player for Hull FC.

Sadly, Steve passed away and sometime later she decided to move away from Hull to Wirral, where son Mark has grandchildren, Millie and Harry, and a new life began.

Securing a position in the Wirral supported-living organisation, Options, Maggie worked with adults with learning disabilities, enriching their lives with day-to-day help and trips to the likes of the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, EuroDisney and overnight cruises.

When her grandchildren were young Maggie volunteered at Greasby based Brookdale primary school helping children with reading, supporting school trips and at Christmas fairs. Although the children have left the school some years ago she still helps at the fairs.

Then, around seven years ago, Maggie met former Cammell Lairds and Post Office worker, Alan, and she found love once again. They share a mutual love of Rugby League and their life is filled with weekend trips, holidays and, maybe, a few drinks locally or in Liverpool on the weekend.

They also love to attend big music events and in the last several years have seen ELO, Madness, Take That, Olly Murs, The Temptations, Odyssey, Bonnie Tyler, Michael Ball and many live bands and tribute acts.

Maggie had been with Alan on a shopping trip at Cheshire Oaks when, instinct, she asked him to take a diversion to the Clatterbridge Health Park she had heard of, but never seen. As they drove around the first mini-roundabout she saw Wirral Hospice St John’s on the left and said to Alan,

“Pull over, I’m going to see if I can do some volunteering at the hospice.”

That was five years ago. Maggie started helping in our Wellbeing Centre, facilitating and joining in patient activities and observing the relaxation sessions. She also helped in fundraising, filling envelopes for Light up a Life.

Volunteers were sent home during the Covid pandemic but she was able to help out with sending thank you’s and updates to patients and as soon as we possibly could Maggie was welcomed back to help with main reception duties.

Now, fully ensconced once more, she helps facilitate Wednesday afternoon Wellbeing Centre, check in and chat sessions for patients who have already been through the various three-to-nine week wellbeing courses and like to keep in touch with their fellow patients and our staff and volunteers.

And, there’s also the Friday baking group!

Yes, each Friday you’ll find Maggie, Fiona and Sue, alongside a host of patients whipping up flour, butter, milk and sugar into the tasty mixes to produce anything from lemon drizzle to scones, Victoria sponge to Eccles cakes. Mmmm!

Quick Tip: Time your visit to the Wellbeing kitchen for circa 11.15am on Friday’s and you’re in for a tasty treat.

When we visit everyone is having a laugh with Maggie. She’s been bemoaning the fact that she replaced her bath at home with a state-of-the-art walk-in shower. There’s a patient bathroom close to the Wellbeing kitchen and there’s a sign on the door which reads ‘noor peeking Maggie’ (noor being the way Maggie pronounces no).

She takes a peek anyway and, on entering the room there’s two rubber duckies floating in  a shallow bath and a shower hat for Maggie to try. She takes it all in good heart and everyone joins in the laughter.

Just another fun day with our Wellbeing volunteer, Maggie.

We’re all better for it and can only say, ‘Maggie, thanks for everything you do.’#

Do you have a few hours to spare each week to become a Wirral Hospice volunteer? We’d love to hear from you! Please call 0151-334-2778 or email, volunteering@wirralhospice.org or visit www.wirralhospice.org/volunteering