“She’s like a breath of fresh air." More Helper volunteers needed

Put a 68-year-old and a 31-year-old in a room together, and the last thing you would think they’d have in common is reggae music.

But that’s exactly what happened when Emily Cook met Kathryn Owen at her home in Roath, Cardiff.

Emily was visiting Kathryn, who is living with terminal bowel cancer, as part of the Marie Curie Helper volunteer service – and the pair got along instantly when introduced by Helper manager Cathy McCaw.

Kathryn, who was referred to the Helper service through her social worker, has been having visits from Emily once or twice a week since June.

Speaking about each other, they both said they like to laugh together.

“She’s like a breath of fresh air to me,” said Kathryn of Emily.

“She’s very kind, she’s just absolutely great company, and I’ve always felt quite relaxed with her. 

“She is bright and bubbly, and I like that rather than some fuddy duddy. 

“She’s got quite a happy and cheerful disposition, and it’s just a laugh a minute with her.”

Emily added: “Kathryn does not have any family and lives alone, so aside from a couple of very good friends who look after her, she does not have anyone.

“She has got a wicked sense of humour, which straight away I picked up on that and knew we would be a very good match.”

Mostly, Emily helps Kathryn by taking her shopping for groceries or clothes – but never to the same supermarket twice in a row, as Kathryn likes variety.

“I help with the practical things, but Kathryn can’t walk long distances, so we go shopping together and browse as many shops as we can, and I will also help her do her food shopping,” said Emily, 31.

“Otherwise, I’ll pop around for a coffee and we’ll have a chat.  We also like to watch DIY SOS together.

“I’ve been volunteering three hours a week, either in one block, or sometimes I might go twice a week, because I have to juggle it around a full time job.”

The Helper service sees volunteers provide company and companionship to those living with terminal illness, providing support to their families at a crucial time.

The support provided can range from sitting down to have a chat, to taking the client out shopping or do a garden centre for tea and cake.

Helper volunteers provide practical help, such as taking someone to an appointment or shopping, but are not expected to help with nursing or personal care needs.

Speaking of their shared love of reggae, Kathryn said: “I love it because of the rhythm, it’s just easy listening. 

“I was a little bit surprised when I found out Emily liked it too, but she’s got the same good taste as I have.  There are also some DVDs we both like as well.”

The Helper service is now in need of more volunteers to support people living with a terminal illness.  In particular, volunteers are needed in Cardiff East and North, Barry and the Llantrisant and Talbot Green areas.

Emily said she enjoys many things about volunteering.

“Firstly, having more friends in Cardiff, knowing someone else in the city and feeling I am actually part of the community,” she said.

“It’s also seeing someone a little bit different and meeting someone new.

“I’m not originally from Cardiff, I’m from Worcester, and I have an elderly relative there who I don’t get to dedicate enough time to see, so I think it’s a lovely thing that I would hope someone would do for her if I’m not around.

“It’s also an important point of contact, sometimes we’re the only people who visit in a week, and it’s really nice for me to feel that I am making a massive difference, and we’ve also built a really good relationship.

“It’s just so worthwhile, even if you’re just making someone a cup of tea and talking to them, it can make the world of difference and it’s such a nice feeling to give back.  I’d want that service to be available to my family.”

Can you help?  Call Cathy McGaw on 0800 304 7407.