With 32 years of volunteering between them, Jackie and Mandy are two of the Guild’s longest serving volunteers. They volunteer together in the Guild Shop and have become close friends, sharing holidays and family events. Here are their stories.
Jackie says: “Mandy and I work really well together. We both take a pride in the Shop and make sure that it is fully stocked, clean and welcoming to everyone. Mandy takes care of the ‘Bric-a-Brac’ items and I tend the book shelves.”
The Covid-19 pandemic changed the way volunteers worked. Jackie recalls. “I was unable to volunteer through the first phase of Covid but returned for the second phase to work in the Shop. Meanwhile, Mandy volunteered at the Excel London and Stratford vaccination centres.
“We were extremely fortunate to be invited to His Majesty King Charles III’s first Garden Party at Buckingham Palace [see image below]. It was such a privilege and the Palace gardens are beautiful; the whole event was amazing. We also received commemorative plaques from the Guild and a standing ovation at the first volunteer party after Covid.”
Would Jackie recommend volunteering? “Yes! I enjoy every shift at Barts as you make friends with other staff, and over the years you get to know many patients and get close to them. I always try to give empathy to patients – it is very important to show kindness to everyone.”
Mandy says: “As well as our regular duties of serving on the till, rotating stock, making a float for the next shift and, if the manager isn’t available, opening the Shop, Jackie tends to the books and I take care of donated ‘Bric-a-Brac’. I have a lot of retail experience, and I know what sells.”
Mandy recruited fellow volunteers at St Claire’s Hospice to knit teddy bears, blankets and baby clothes, and remarks: “We receive many compliments from patients and staff regarding the lovely handmade items we sell, so we are not a charity shop but a shop that supports a charity.
“Jackie and I ran very popular twice yearly tabletop sales of donated items, with each sale making around £400, and sales of donated items in the Shop raised £2,500 in 2024.”
Despite a shortage of volunteers, the Guild Shop stayed open during the Covid-19 pandemic. Mandy recalls: “I worked with Jilly in the mornings and Irene took the afternoon shift. Jilly and I helped triage patients and issued masks and gloves. It was a tough time, especially when patients’ companions were not allowed into the hospital. Gillie and I received a call from the Guild’s Royal Patron, HRH The Duke of Gloucester, who thanked us for all our help during Covid.
“In May 2023, Jackie, Jilly, Helen and I were invited to His Majesty’s Afternoon Tea at Buckingham Palace, to acknowledge our exceptional service during the pandemic, and we were formally introduced to HRH The Duke of Gloucester, who also thanked us.”
Would Mandy recommend volunteering? “Absolutely! I really enjoy my volunteer work – it is lively meeting so many people and I would recommend volunteering if you are lonely. There are so many things you can do as a volunteer.”
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