Thirty years ago, Liz spotted a job advert for temporary admin support at our Inpatient Unit on Nettleham Road in Lincoln. She was looking for work that fitted around her home life and the hours were perfect. Liz applied and spent the next year making sure patients could get to the Hospice and their appointments thanks to volunteer drivers. It was long enough for St Barnabas to get under her skin, and thirty years on, Liz is still a much valued and much-loved part of the family!
When the chance came up to move to the reception team, Liz put herself forward. She’d spent the last few years working behind the scenes and as a people-person, Liz was perfect for the role. She quickly became a familiar and friendly face for people as they walked through our doors. And today her presence is just as reassuring for patients and their families as it has always been.
Liz treats everyone who walks through our doors as a VIP. So when royalty arrived they got the same generous welcome. Working on reception the day Princess Diana visited was a day Liz will never forget.
As well as being the face of our Inpatient Unit, Liz lent her skills to the fundraising team for several years, and has vast knowledge of the Hospice’s history. Alongside the fundraisers, Liz took our work into the community to raise our profile and vital funds. While she might argue she was just an extra pair of hands, Liz helped make the events possible and successful. She was invaluable, from putting up posters, gathering equipment and making up floats to setting up stalls, speaking to visitors and serving refreshments. And she travelled throughout the county making sure people could buy St Barnabas pin badges at Christmas and soft toys at Easter.
Liz very much enjoyed being part of the fundraising team at a time when the seeds were sown for some of the events which are still being held today. In particular the annual Light up a Life Torchlight Procession which has grown over the 22 years since its conception, and has a special place in the St Barnabas calendar.
After watching and helping our generous supporters take part in events and raise money for the Hospice, Liz eventually decided it was her turn – in her own words, before she got too old! So in 2007, she took on the Lincoln 10K. By her own admission, Liz isn’t a runner and was delighted to get around the course and not be the last one back!
Liz did us proud that day, just like she does every day as the friendly face of the Inpatient Unit.
In her own words… “I’m proud to be part of a team doing so much good for the wider community. It’s hard to imagine not being here, I’d like to think I’ll be back to volunteer when my time comes to retire.”