Ashton's Willow Wood Hospice has received a donation of both time and money from Virgin Media.

They not only helped fund the creation of a family room at the hospice, but arranged for a team of volunteers to refurbish it with a corporate volunteering day.

Mark Llewellin, vice-chair of the Board of Trustees said: “We’ve always understood the importance of supporting a patient’s loved ones as well as the patients themselves and, apart from the necessary restrictions of the past couple of years, have always had open visiting hours on our Inpatient Unit – and that includes the family pets! Our aim is to make everyone as comfortable as possible, and to provide a bright yet homely environment.

“We had two large twin rooms, both very comfortable with access to private patios looking over the gardens and en-suite facilities, but have wanted to create a family room where partners, children and other visitors could feel at home.  

“The wonderful donation of £670 from Virgin Media and, just as importantly, the time and skills of their volunteer team, have meant we have been able to give a full makeover to one of these rooms.” 

With the funds provided, the hospice purchased paint, a dining table complete with stools, bean bags, chairs, soft furnishings, lighting – and even a picture for the wall. The team from Virgin Media and their contractor Wingnut Utilities worked tirelessly throughout the day.  

Lee Dooley, Regional Community Lead from Virgin Media’s Manchester office, organised staff from as far afield as Leicester and Birmingham to give a day’s volunteering at the hospice.  

He said: “It was a pleasure to come to Willow Wood, the whole team was so enthusiastic.  

“To see the room go from an empty shell in the morning to a brightly painted, fully furnished, family space was incredibly satisfying. Knowing that this will contribute to the well-being of hospice patients and their families gave us all a real sense of achievement. 

“Some of the volunteers also spent time in the beautiful gardens, giving sheds, benches and pergolas a facelift – and we’d have no hesitation in coming back to the hospice again. It was a very full day of volunteering, but a day the whole team was proud to take part in.”

If your company would like to organise a corporate volunteering day find out more on www.willowwood.info or contact volunteering@willowwood.info 

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