Royal recognition for our incredible volunteers

Royal Recognition for Our Incredible Volunteers  

We are so proud that three of our amazing St Catherine’s Hospice volunteers were nominated to attend the Buckingham Palace Garden Parties this year – a truly special honour.  

Swapping their usual hospice attire for their ‘Sunday Best’, they enjoyed afternoon tea on the Palace lawn alongside members of the Royal Family – and thousands of inspiring guests who’ve all made a difference in their communities.  

Hardeep Kaur Singh, one of our dedicated Befrienders, shared how much volunteering means to her: 

“I love every minute of it… it helps you mentally and physically to keep active and know you are helping.”  

She found the day at the Palace humbling, meeting others who had done incredible and meaningful things in their lives.  

Gina, who supports patients, families and staff on our In-Patient Unit, took up volunteering after receiving care herself following a bereavement. 

Her best moment as a volunteer? “A patient recently said thank you for making me laugh today… and I said I’ll try to do the same tomorrow.”  

She described her day at the Palace as “fascinating… but so cold!”   

Peter Frankish, founder of our ‘In the Frame’ initiative, called the Royal Garden Party experience “a very special day” and spoke about how honoured he felt to see the King and witness his kindness and warmth firsthand.  

Peter co-ordinates 26 volunteers who repurposed frames with new artwork and photographs, to raise money for the Hospice. 

This all highlights the incredible impact our volunteers have every single day – supporting patients, families, and our wider community with compassion, kindness, and dedication  

Thank you to all our volunteers – you truly make a difference. 

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