The Travel Bug. Bromborough Croft hospice showroom volunteer Irene likes to see the World

Irene Deacon, our lovely Bromborough Croft showroom volunteer has always had a passion for people, places, and new experiences.

Born in Prescot, near Liverpool, in 1961, she grew up surrounded by the buzz and energy of the big city. After leaving school in 1977, she stepped straight into the world of travel, working in a busy travel agency. The fast pace and hustle and bustle of Liverpool city centre and the interest and excitement of helping people plan their adventures suited her perfectly.

With a love of travel herself, she relished the opportunity to travel with work. Her career that took her abroad, Russia at just 17, multiple cruises, and work trips to far-flung places. Norway was a favourite and will always hold a special place in her heart.

In 1981, love and marriage led her across the Mersey to the Wirral, where she and her husband, Ted, settled down. It was a practical choice as much as a romantic one; houses were much more affordable, making it the perfect place to settle down. She continued working in the travel agency until 1992, when she took on a new and rewarding role of being a mum. She really embraced motherhood, raising two boys, Gary and Iain.

As her children grew older, she returned to work in a different role: a school receptionist at Ridgeway High School. For 18 years, from 2005 to 2023, she was the friendly and welcoming face for pupils at the front desk. It was more than a job; it was a chance to be part of a community, to connect with people every single day. ‘I loved it,’ Irene told us.

In 2023, she decided to step away, taking early retirement and looking for new ways to keep busy; walking, volunteering, and spending time with her family, including her two cherished grandchildren, Harry and Sadie.

In November 2024, she started volunteering at our Bromborough Croft showroom charity shop twice a week, every Monday and Friday from 1pm-3pm.

“After Ted died I knew that I wanted to do something that would honour his memory and something he would be proud of. Although he never received hospice support we were both supporters of and were aware of the fantastic support and care the hospice provides. 

I love working with the public, I could talk to anybody. I go home feeling satisfied, but it’s more than that – I truly love it.” 

As a keen walker, she’s a member of two local walking groups, Eastham and Port Sunlight River Park, and is now training to become a walk leader guiding others along scenic routes.

When she’s not walking or volunteering, she’s reading, cooking, or watching football and Formula 1. And of course, she still loves to travel with he Greek Islands, Canada, Mexico, and, of course, Norway, are particular favourites.

Keep on travelling Irene, thank you so much for everything you do for Wirral Hospice St John’s, we really appreciate it!

f you’d like to volunteer at the hospice or in your community at one of our charity shops follow the links at www.wirralhospice.org/volunteering or email volunteering@wirralhospice.org or call 0151 334 2778 and ask for volunteer services