Jane's story

Jane Brook is St Leonard’s newest volunteer, working on reception, but this is not the first time she has been at the Hospice.

Not long after the Hospice opened in 1985, Jane’s grandma died in the in-patient unit, aged 70. That was her first experience of being at St Leonard’s and her mum began working there as a nurse and her dad as a volunteer receptionist.

“I used to go along sometimes and generally help out, I’ve got some great memories of how it used to be in those days,” said Jane.

Fast forward a few years and Jane was at the Hospice again when her friend Manuela was admitted and sadly died.

“Just being back there and seeing the receptionist, I thought, I could do that, I could give something back. So, I started training in January and now I have a regular slot on reception. It’s great! I was drawn to the role because I’m interested in people and interacting with them. When I got the training, I realised there was more to the receptionist role than people think, but it’s all good stuff. It’s different to my day job as I have more time to talk to people.”

Jane, 49, works as a Civil Servant in York and manages to juggle her part time job with her volunteering role, as well as children.

“I love volunteering at the Hospice and I was so pleased to hear that one of the other volunteers I was shadowing actually remembered my dad! It’s quite exciting working in the new part of the Hospice and it’s so interesting to see how it’s changed. It still feels lovely and being here just feels right.”