Cyril's story

Thirty-eight-years-ago Cyril Reynolds, 87, said his last goodbyes to his dear wife Brenda when she died in St Leonard’s Hospice, aged 53. The Hospice had been open just two years then and her last words to him were “Will you do all you can for the Hospice?” So, that is when Cyril first began working as a volunteer.

Initially he helped out at weekends and evenings, doing odd jobs and helping with fairs, whilst working as an installation service manager for part of the EMI Group. Once retired, however, his volunteer work increased and he became assistant caretaker. He soon became involved in the retail section and was part of the team involved in setting up seven shops.

“I just did anything that cropped up,” said Cyril, “Christmas fairs, summer fairs, balls…We used to put a stall outside the Acomb shop selling books, there were so many different things we did. I even helped cut the ribbon to open the new Burton Stone Lane shop in 2006. I did anything really.”

Over the years Cyril has helped raise thousands for the Hospice. “I’ve really enjoyed it, it’s kept me busy, kept me occupied,” he said. “It’s about patients getting better and out of the Hospice if they can. That’s the aim of what we’re doing it all for,” he added.

Cyril was employed by the Hospice as a van driver until 2001, working two and a half days a week, but still continued with his volunteer work, helping to organise fairs and sponsored walks. He was involved in cheque presentations and even got the chance to dress up as Santa for a Christmas event. In 2015 Cyril was involved in setting up the Donations Centre in Acomb.

When his health deteriorated, having a stroke and then a heart attack, he had a break, but still went back to volunteering. In total he has helped run 30 charity walks with the last one being just four years ago in Haworth.

“I’ve had plenty of enjoyment and satisfaction in doing it. Payment doesn’t matter. If they asked me, I’d just do it! I told them Brenda asked me to do it and that’s all the enjoyment I need to get from it.”