The human stories behind hospice charity shops

If anyone who can prove that age is no barrier to giving back, it’s David Flucker! Having retired at 72, David couldn't stand sitting idle and found joy in helping out three days a week at St Columba’s Hospice shop in Edinburgh.

Now 102-years-old, his positive attitude and enduring energy continue to inspire those around him. For David, the shop isn’t just a place to work – it’s where he connects with happy people, stays active, and feels fulfilled.  

When June began volunteering at a Florence Nightingale Hospice Princes Risborough shop in 2023, she was looking for new friendships after being widowed eight years prior.  

Little did she know that she would meet Dave, who had also experienced the same loss and hospice care. The two bonded at a shop social event and have been in a happy relationship for six months, even enjoying a holiday in Dorset. 

June’s dog, Pickle, is also a beloved presence in the shop, offering cuddles to staff, volunteers, and customers alike! 

Micky, a 19-year-old with autism and learning difficulties, found an incredible opportunity at a Saint Francis Hospice shop in Essex. After facing discrimination during a job interview, Micky’s confidence was shaken. However, volunteering at the shop alongside his mother has transformed his life.

He now feels more confident, engages with regular customers, and enjoys learning new skills. Micky even has dreams of starting his own clothing brand and is currently taking an online management course to make it a reality.  

Volunteering has changed Micky's life, offering him a way to overcome the challenges he once faced.  

Olena, who fled Kyiv with her family in 2022, has been promoted to run her own shop for East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices. Despite the heartbreak of leaving her homeland, Olena described how the sense of inclusion she felt through volunteering brought her much-needed hope. 

She comments, “The support has been incredible, and I feel motivated to work hard. It’s my mission to make this shop a success!"

Meanwhile, Olga, who fled Kharkiv with her teenage daughter Polina, found refuge in the UK and now volunteers at Overgate Hospice’s Calderdale shop.  

Olga said: “My whole life was turned upside down. I am so grateful to be in a safe place with my daughter and I am glad I am able to give back my time volunteering for Overgate.”

Grateful for the kindness she’s encountered, Olga has embraced her role and looks forward to a brighter future, all while her husband continues his volunteer work back in Ukraine.

“This is now my home, and I wanted to give back to the people who have welcomed me here.”

For 22 years, Sue Painter has been the heart and soul of St Wilfrid’s Hospice shops in Chichester.

Her wealth of experience from her career in the commercial sector has been vital to the success of the shops, managing everything from small boutique-style shops to navigating the rise of e-commerce during the pandemic.

“My favourite part of being a retail shop manager is the variety," says Sue, "and all the different people I meet in our volunteer team. They have so many different experiences and different reasons for volunteering, and I love hearing their stories."

“I describe the hospice as like the biggest, warmest hug you could ever have. I’m proud to be involved and I’ve got no intention of slowing down yet even though I’m 70 this year!”  

Tracey Lewis's journey from hospice care to retail team leader at Saint Francis Hospice’s Brentwood Superstore feels like a full-circle moment.  

After her mother, Linda, was cared for at the hospice, Tracey was inspired to join the team, finding solace and purpose in giving back. Her experience of losing her mum has allowed her to support other grieving customers who come into the shop. 

Whether it’s through a simple conversation or offering a listening ear, Tracey finds great pride in the work she does. She comments, “often bereaved people whose loved ones were under our care, come into the shops so they can feel close to the hospice. They may be numb with grief, and we can support them. Sometimes they may need a chat or someone to just listen.”

Volunteering has given her a way to feel close to her mother while helping others navigate their grief.  

93-year-old Waltraut Gilchrist has been a volunteer at a whopping 23 of St Christopher’s London shops since 1989. Born in wartime Germany, Waltraut moved to the UK in 1954, where her experiences instilled a lifelong desire to help others. 

She said: “I suppose it is about helping people. I have seen so many unhappy people who needed help and I got through, so I still feel an urge to help people.”

Meanwhile, her fellow volunteer, 82-year-old Frances Dormer, found her way to St Christopher’s after the loss of her sister. “She was my best friend. We lived ten minutes apart and saw each other every single day. Nurses from St Christopher’s came and cared for her at home, and they were so wonderful,” said Frances.

The retired secretary now works at the Orpington shop and has even discovered her birthday twin among the team! Whether she’s sorting donations or teaming up with her daughter Belinda to raise funds, Frances finds joy in keeping busy and making a difference. 

Shirley Gumley has spent an incredible 38 years volunteering at St Leonard’s Hospice in York, a touching tribute to her sister Sheila, one of the hospice’s earliest patients. 

What started as a way to honour her sister’s legacy has blossomed into nearly four decades of dedicated service to the hospice community. Through all these years, Shirley has poured her heart into every shift, finding comfort in keeping her sister’s memory alive.  

Shirley hopes to continue for years to come, saying, “I feel really privileged to be able to use my time like this. This is my 38th year, I started not long after the hospice had just opened its doors, and I hope I can keep going longer.” 

At 83, Mike Bird has dedicated an impressive 24 years volunteering for St Luke’s Cheshire Hospice, mostly in their warehouse. Starting out by helping with anything and everything, Mike now sorts stock and drives the van for deliveries. He found volunteering the perfect way to stay active in retirement, and has never looked back, praising the fantastic environment of the hospice’s warehouse team.

Mike said, “It’s a fantastic place, I live locally, and after retiring I just wanted to keep busy and this seemed like a great place to help!” 

Frances Reid’s journey with Helen & Douglas House in Wallingford began in 1982 when her son Richard first visited the hospice.  

“Richard spent many happy times at Helen & Douglas House. We knew that he was in safe hands.” After he died in 1991, Frances stayed connected to the charity and eventually became the manager of their first shop in Oxford.  

Frances has continued to volunteer weekly at the Wallingford shop, and she finds great joy in sorting bric-a-brac donations, which always hold a surprise or two! 

A former caregiver’s life was transformed through volunteering at a Wakefield Hospice shop in West Yorkshire after a series of personal challenges.

“In 1999 I had a mental breakdown. Not so long afterwards my mum got diagnosed with cancer, soon followed by my dad getting diagnosed too – mum recovered, dad didn’t” she said.

Following the death of her father at St. Gemma’s Hospice, and years of caring for her mother with Alzheimer’s, she found herself feeling lost and without purpose.

“I was always determined to give something back to Wakefield Hospice for the support they provided me, and so in April 2023 I visited their Kirkgate shop and asked for an application form. I began my role as retail volunteer in May 2023 and it genuinely helped to change my life.”

The role not only helped her rebuild her life but also introduced her to a team that became like family. After her mother’s passing, their support kept her going, and she was recently offered a paid position as a Shop Assistant.
 

Michael Wolfenden (or better-known as eBay Mike by shop colleagues) is responsible for shipping all of the eBay orders at Springhill Hospice in Rochdale.

Mike is described as a “spring chicken at heart”, with his dad jokes keeping morale high and staff and volunteers smiling.

“We cherish volunteers like Mike. What more could you ask from a volunteer?” the hospice commented. “A great work ethic, a sense of humour and an all-round good egg. We thank you from everybody at Springhill Hospice.”