Volunteer describes special Christmas Day atmosphere at hospice
Press release published
Chris Smart has volunteered on Christmas Day for Marie Curie for a decade – but says she never feels that she is “giving up” her holiday for the charity.
The 60 year old, who lives in Llandough, is the face of the charity’s Cardiff and Vale Hospice every Christmas Day and provides service with a smile.
Chris, who now works in HR but has spent the majority of her working life as a secretary/receptionist, said she felt her life skills lent themselves to the volunteer role which she had held since 2005.
Marie Curie provides expert care and support to those living with terminal illness and their families all year through.
Their nine hospices across the UK, of which Penarth is one, are open to visitors 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days of the year.
During the early years of her volunteering, Chris also worked Bank Holidays but in recent years has limited this to Christmas Day as she still works.
“I have always had the support of David, my husband, with my volunteering. David, who works at Penarth Quays Marina, will always prepare and cook the Christmas Day meal – providing he’s not on shift,” she said.
Speaking of Christmas Days at the hospice, she says “there is always a special atmosphere”.
“Parents with their children come in to visit familty and the children are usually very keen to have a chat and show off their presents. The Christmas tree lights are on and reception is decorated. I think some people are quite surprised to see me sitting at reception on Christmas Day!
Chris is full of admiration for the Marie Curie nurses and says “they are very special people”.
“If I can help them just a bit by being at the hospice on Christmas Day then it makes me happy.
“I love volunteering on Christmas Day. It gives me a great sense of achievement and fulfilment and I am content in the knowledge that, in small way, I am contributing towards the hospice on this special day.”
The Marie Curie Support Line (0800 090 2309) will be open throughout Christmas to provide free, confidential support and practical information to anyone affected by terminal illness.