Jennifer Coates has raised over £1,200 for Marie Curie after bravely skydiving from 13,500 feet in the air!
Jennifer wanted to do something to give back to the charity as they cared for her mother when she died from breast cancer 19 years ago.
Jennifer has seen first-hand how donations are used in her local area, she has also been volunteering for the charity for over a year now as part of their Nottinghamshire Helper Service. The Marie Curie Helper Service trains volunteers to support people who are living with a terminal illness, in their homes. Helper volunteers are there to listen when you need a friendly ear, have a chat over a cup of tea, help you get to an appointment or run an errand.
Jennifer believes the Helper Service is a vital service, giving a person who has a life limiting illness the chance to live their lives and make the most of the time they have left. She meets with the same lady every week, who she has now grown a strong bond with. Having survived breast cancer herself, she said: “I know things could have been very different for me, helping to care for a person who is a lot worse off makes me realise just what I have got. It is a very rewarding role and I get immense satisfaction from making a difference to somebody’s life, helping them to get out and about, chat, have a coffee or do a bit of shopping.”
Jennifer has enjoyed volunteering so much she has started an NVQ in end of life care and volunteers at her local hospice. She added: “I want to become a Marie Curie nurse, and I will get there. If I can help somebody face their last days in dignity and respect then I’ll be truly happy in my work”.
If you know somebody who would benefit from the Marie Curie Helper Service in Nottinghamshire, or you would like to sign up as a volunteer, please visit www.mariecurie.org.uk for more information or call 01332 204221.