“The Watford community and its people have always been the power behind the hospice, making it what it is today.” – Audrey Adams
Audrey Adams has been a volunteer for Rennie Grove Peace since 2006, working first in fundraising and now as a volunteer retail assistant at a local Rennie Grove Peace shop. In 2016, she worked on a project to celebrate 25 years of Peace Hospice Care which involved archiving historical documents and photos and speaking to some of the hospice’s early pioneers.
“When Watford General Hospital opened and the memorial hospital became derelict, I remember my entire family was affronted.”
Audrey says: “I’ve lived in Watford since I was six and have always known about Peace Hospice Care. When Watford General Hospital opened and the memorial hospital became derelict, I remember my entire family was affronted.
“I reduced my working hours and went part-time in 2006 and have volunteered for the hospice ever since. It was a natural move for me, as Peace Hospice Care is such a big part of the community in which I live.
“Being able to archive our photos and press clippings was a particular pleasure. I also interviewed people who had been with Peace Hospice Care from the very beginning – the real pioneers. That was an honour, as the Watford community and its people have always been the power behind the hospice, making it what it is today.
“I remember when the Peace Hospice was just a portacabin in the grounds of the memorial hospital while it was being renovated.”
Patients came to the portacabin for outpatient services and for some company. And then the Inpatient Unit opened in 1991 and we were able to offer more services and care for more people.
“I get a lot out of volunteering and feel over the years that I have made a difference by raising money. Hospice services are still hugely reliant on fundraising, with approx. 30% of funding coming from government, so fundraising is vital for the hospice to keep providing the care that people need.
“I love the thought that the money I have helped to raise over the years has gone directly to pay for nurses and other clinicians to provide care – it is very quantifiable.
“Volunteering for Rennie Grove Peace has been a huge amount of fun and I’ve made some good friends during my time here.”