I’ve been volunteering with Scannappeal for about eight and a half years now. When I say it out loud, it sounds like such a long time, but honestly it doesn’t feel that way. It’s just become part of my life, something I do without really thinking about it anymore.
Most of my work is with stamps, but I also do a lot of events. That’s probably the side I enjoy most — getting out, meeting people, being social. Over the years I’ve helped at open gardens, quizzes, fairs. One Sunday we were at Beaconsfield for the open gardens. Another time we did a big quiz night. I’ve stood at gates, welcomed visitors, answered questions, and generally just mucked in with whatever was needed.
It’s funny — I remember doing Meals on Wheels when I first moved to Wycombe, many years ago, before I found a full-time job. That was just a couple of months, serving meals up in the hospital. Then life moved on — work, children, the usual. Volunteering slipped into the background. It wasn’t until my husband died that I came back to it. He’d had a lot of treatment at Stoke Mandeville, and I think I felt I wanted to give something back. More than that, I knew I couldn’t just sit at home. Everything changes when you lose someone like that — your social life, your daily routine, all of it. And no one is going to come knocking at your door to fix it. You’ve got to get out there and find something. For me, that something was Scannappeal.
What motivates me now is simple: I enjoy it. I like the people, I like the events, and I like feeling useful. I’m a social person, and this brings me into contact with others. There’s a buzz to it — the laughter with the other volunteers, the banter you build up with regular supporters at events, even just chatting with people over a quiz sheet. It’s not only about raising funds, it’s about connecting.
The office team at Scannappeal are marvellous too. Over time I’ve got to know them well, and we all get on brilliantly. Walking into the office sometimes feels like being back at work — a bit of camaraderie, a sense of being part of a team. That’s something I missed after retiring and something I didn’t even realise I’d find again.
My reasons for volunteering have changed a bit since I started. At first it was about filling the gap — getting out of the house, finding some structure after my husband died. Now it’s more about the people. The friendships I’ve made, the confidence I’ve gained, the satisfaction of being part of something. I used to be quite nervous, especially when it came to standing up and giving talks. I remember the first time I had to get on stage and explain about Scannappeal. I was terrified. But once I got going, I realised I did know what I was talking about, and actually, I enjoyed it. The more events I did, the more confident I became. Now I don’t think twice about it.
Confidence is one of the biggest things volunteering has given me. That, and purpose. It’s given me a reason to get up, get out, and be part of something. It’s made me feel good about myself again.
There have been plenty of memorable moments. Some are funny — like the time I was helping at an event at Waddesdon Manor. A friend and I were on the back gate, making sure no one slipped in that way without a ticket. A gentleman came strolling up, and my friend asked him, “Excuse me, have you got your ticket?” He looked at us and said, “I live here.” We were mortified, but he was lovely about it. He said, “I’m glad to see you’re doing your job properly.” We laughed about that one for days.
Other moments are less dramatic but just as important — the recognition you get when people see you at event after event, the nod of familiarity, the little bit of chat. You realise you’ve become part of their experience too.
The challenges? Well, the money machines used to terrify me. I was always worried I’d charge someone too much. They’ve got a better one now, thankfully, but I still double-check everything. And of course, when I first started doing events, it was daunting. People ask you questions, and you want to make sure you’re giving the right answers. But you learn, and the nerves fade.
I feel that by volunteering I’m giving something back. It’s indirect — I’m not a doctor or a nurse — but by helping raise funds, I know I’m contributing to equipment that patients will use. That makes a difference. It’s a quiet sort of achievement, but it matters.
Volunteering has changed me as a person. It’s given me purpose. It’s got me out of the house. It’s given me new friends. It’s made me feel good about myself, which is something I really needed after my husband died. I think it’s done exactly what I hoped it would when I started, and more besides.
I fully intend to carry on as long as I’m able. As long as I can get there, I’ll keep going. Volunteering is too important to me now to give up.
If someone came to me and said they were thinking about volunteering, anywhere, not just Scannappeal, I’d tell them to go for it. Don’t hesitate. Don’t sit around waiting for life to come to you. Get out there. Find your place. It won’t always feel easy at first — but in time, you’ll find the people, the purpose, and the sense of belonging you didn’t know you needed.
