There are so many good reasons for being a volunteer. Helping others, giving back into the community, a sense of belonging and improving self-esteem but one of the best has to be the people we meet. The incredible diversity of those we help and support knows no bounds and everyone has an interesting story to tell.
Take Betty who, for many years, was a District Guide Commissioner within Cheshire East. Clearly a character who was committed to this cause, Betty was also appointed Duke of Edinburgh Award Advisor and helped hundreds, if not thousands of girls to develop new skills and knowledge.
When Betty lost her husband, a renowned sports journalist, suddenly and unexpectedly at the age of just 56, their daughter, Sue, gave up her job in Cocoa Beach, Florida to return to the UK and support her mum. They have lived together ever since and over those 30 years they have led a happy and full life, filled with laughter, friends and an obvious deep affection for each other. They are quite the double act!
However, now in her 90s, Betty has many health issues and requires 24hour care from Sue. This is given without question, as Sue says “She’s been a fabulous mum to me, I need to look after her”. The laughter continues but it’s hard work as any carer knows. Unable to leave Betty on her own, Sue was desperate for some time to get out of the house and run some errands.
In stepped Nantwich Buddy Lesley! For over a year now, Lesley has been sitting with Betty regularly to give Sue a much-needed break so she can leave the house and do the shopping. Betty has grown fond of Lesley “She chats to me all the time, makes me laugh and makes sure I don’t fall’. For Sue though, Lesley is a lifeline and says she knew straight away that she could trust her “I just don’t know what I’d do if she stopped coming”.
The image shows Betty in her role as District Guide Commissioner in the 1980s.
If you’d like to join Nantwich Buddies and make a difference within our community, please contact us on 01270 440750 or email us at info@nantwichbuddies.org.
