“I endeavour to lessen the natural anxieties of patients and visitors when they visit the hospital"
Now fully retired, Alan enjoys keeping busy as an active member of St Michael’s Church Bramcote, where he sits on the Parochial Church Council. He also sings in the Church Choir, and is part of Nottingham University Hospitals Panto Group – made up of hospital staff and volunteers, raising money to enhance patient experience.
Having worked at the University of Nottingham, as well as in professional engineering, Alan first began volunteering one afternoon each week in the Scope Charity Shop in Beeston. He then decided to become a Nottingham University Hospitals volunteer. Nine years later, Alan says:
“I began volunteering because it got me out of the house during a time when my wife was still at work. I lost my wife in 2012, being a volunteer in such a busy environment, and alongside fellow volunteers who are now dear friends, keeps me active, and provides me with a lot of fun and memories.
“I endeavour to lessen the natural anxieties of patients and visitors when they visit the hospital. We, myself and my fellow volunteers, have an unusual sense of humour, which seems to put smiles on the faces of the people who pass through the entrance doors. This is very rewarding! The three volunteer award ceremonies that I’ve attended are clear highlights in my volunteer career so far, and were very enjoyable”.
Being in the vulnerable age group, Alan stopped volunteering a week before the official lock down. He is really looking forward to being back with friends and back on site at the hospital to continue to help patients and visitors and put smiles on faces.