Local resident, Morag Egan is urging people in Bath to make volunteering one of their resolutions for 2015, and get involved with Macmillan ‘Bath Buddies’ like she did.
Bath Buddies is a volunteer led scheme provided by Macmillan Cancer Support. For the past six months, volunteers or ‘buddies’ have been matched with either a person with a cancer diagnosis or their carer for 12 weeks.
They help out in practical ways such as with light housework, gardening or shopping. Importantly, they also provide some company and someone to talk to at a difficult time.
Morag, who lives just outside Bath, has been involved as a volunteer since September 2014.
She said: “Having lived through eighteen months of personal trauma, not only for myself with breast cancer but with my husband suffering from a stroke and subsequently from epilepsy, I felt I was ready to do something else and hopefully help others faced with the prospect of cancer.
“I was buoyed up by the support of friends and colleagues so I know how vital support is.”
Morag’s buddy (who did not wish to be named) said: “Morag is absolutely an angel. I am grateful from the bottom of my heart. She helps with my tasks and then she takes the time to listen to me.
“She’s taken me out to the hospital and she helped me to fill in forms. When I go to the hospital she keeps me company, and I don’t have to wait for a porter.
“With shopping she helps me get the essentials like bread and milk and packs away heavy things. She makes life comfortable for me and without her I don’t know what I would have done.”
“The role of a Buddy is varied and is also quite responsible,” said Morag. “No two visits are ever the same! I have enjoyed seeing how small things can make a great difference to the lady I have visited.
“We have chatted a lot and I have learnt a lot about her culture which is different to mine. She has also benefitted from input from other Macmillan services, such as the Macmillan CAB representative who helped her with benefits.
“It has been great to see her recovery progress from week to week.
“I feel a lot of satisfaction from my participation in this scheme – I have made a difference to someone’s life, have learnt more about cancer and its treatment, met some new people and have built on useful skills.”
In the last six months the project has grown in popularity, and now Morag is calling for more people to join her as a buddy so they can reach more people who need a helping hand in Bath and North East Somerset.
“We’re looking for more people who are good listeners and are happy to give up a morning or afternoon a week to support someone affected by cancer.
“Macmillan will cover your expenses and give you plenty of training so you can carry out the role effectively, and there is great support available.”
To help make sure no one has to face cancer alone in Bath, please either contact Pip Myring on 01904 756 402 or email [email protected] to find out more.
Alternatively you can visit the Macmillan website and apply directly at: http://volunteering.macmillan.org.uk/.
