The League of Friends Volunteer Team
“I just like to do my bit and if it helps people, then that's all the better.”
“I love coming in here. I only do a couple of days a week but it keeps me busy. We get the patients and visitors coming in for a cup of tea, some of them just want a chat I think and it's good that they've got somewhere to take a break from the ward. I just like to do my bit and if it helps people, then that's all the better.”
Mary Parrish
League of Friends Volunteer
The League of Friends has been an important part of our hospital for over 50 years. The work they do is invaluable. Last year alone the League donated £140,000 to purchase equipment for wards and departments - a tremendous gift with far reaching impact. Over the years, the total value of charitable grants made to the hospital has exceeded £2 million.
The League's main source of income comes from the tea bars, which around 70 volunteers help to run. Each year the tea bars serve up 30,000 cups of tea, 39,000 coffees, 10,000 hot chocolates and 6,000 cups of soup!
The League exists to help patients, former patients and those in the community who are sick, convalescent, disabled, handicapped or infirm. The work they do supports the work of the hospital and they work closely with both medical and administrative staff making them an essential part of hospital life.