Tee-rrific. Claughton shop volunteer and keen golfer Jane helps in more ways than one

Jane ready to serve at our Claughton shop

Jane Neil, keen golfer and captain at Wirral Golf Club 2025/26, has been volunteering at our Claughton charity shop for more than fifteen years now.

You’ll know her if you go into the shop. She’s the friendly lady with the distinctly lyrical Scottish accent, she’s from Stirling originally, who will be only too happy to help.

Jane’s dad, Alex, was a coal miner and mum, Sheila, was a nursing sister. Humble beginnings with hardworking parents who instilled lifelong values in Jane.

If you get the chance to speak with her, which is highly recommended, you’ll get her strong sense of both duty and compassion.

Until she retired she’d worked as a hospital radiographer (X-rays, CT and ultrasound) at Clatterbridge Hospital, including in the breast clinic service which had a profound impact on her, over and above her day-to-day duties.

Previously she’d worked at Stirling Royal Infirmary before moving to Wirral.

The move was brought about by husband, Stewart’s, firm, Scottish Amicable, being taken over by Prudential Assurance and, as a result, he moved to the Universities Superannuation Scheme whose offices were in the Royal Liver Buildings.

With Stewart, who has been with Jane since their school days, a skilled company group pensions actuary they were in a great position to manage any risk a big family transfer might bring about. We’re so glad they made the right calculations!

Jane receiving her 15 years long service award

Daughters Shellagh and Shevonne have followed in mum and dad’s footsteps with senior jobs in medical care and accountancy respectively. Between them they now have Jane and Stewart’s grandchildren, Bella, Harris and Lewis.

In Scotland Jane had volunteered at Strathcarron Hospice meeting patients, reading to them and delivering soothing hand massages.

So, it was just over fifteen years ago when Wirral Hospice St John’s held an open day for new volunteers for the soon to be opened Claughton charity shop and Jane wanted to help straightaway. She was soon getting stuck in and helping the shop to raise funds for the hospice.

The shop itself is always busy for Jane and the other volunteers who help with sorting donations, pricing pre-loved stock, keeping racks and shelves full whilst also helping customers with their queries and taking payments at the till.

Jane with good friend Anne

“I just love it. I’ve made really good friends down the years.

Special mention for my lovely volunteer colleague, Anne Rose, who I’ve been here with since the beginning.

We’re in a really supportive community with many regular customers who we have got to know over time.

What makes it really meaningful is knowing that what we all do in the shops helps us to provide such valuable support to our cherished Wirral Hospice St John’s.”

As Captain of Wirral Golf Club, Jane has also been raising funds for the hospice, in tandem with another charity close to her heart, Sands, (a charity which supports research into saving babies’ lives and bereavement support for families affected by the loss of a baby).

Alongside the joint captain, Dave, they’ve raised significant funds so far during her year (which runs April to March) including the annual captains’ golf day which was held in July.

We say ‘so far’ because throughout the year there is a bunker just before the green on the 18^th hole at Wirral GC which if your ball lands in it you are honour

Jane in her Wirral GC captain’s jacket

bound to donate another £1.00 to the captains’ charities. Hurrah!

Earlier in 2025 Jane was presented with her 15 years hospice long service certificate and medal which she wears with pride whenever she’s in the shop.

We’re delighted you’re part of the team, Jane.

Many Thanks for all you do for Wirral Hospice St John’s.

If 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.