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Throughout this uncertain time we have been blown away by the drive and enthusiasm of our volunteers.
Today, we're getting to know Donna who has been a part of the team supporting staff and patients directly at The Beatson, providing hand sanitiser at the entrances of the hospital.
What compelled you to volunteer during Covid 19?
I already volunteer at Beatson Cancer Charity and wanted to be able to continue to volunteer and offer support to NHS as part of Team Beatson during this time. It is a privilege to be healthy enough to provide support at The Beatson. I hope that a friendly greeting and a smile can brighten someone’s day and make their hospital visit a tiny bit easier.
How are you keeping busy at home?
I am self-employed and in the very fortunate position of being able to work from home, which has been keeping me busy. I have also managed to complete some online training that I have been meaning to do for ages. The cupboard I was going to clear out, well that’s another story…
How are you keeping in touch with friends and family?
Phone calls, Facetime or Zoom catch ups. Pre-lockdown I had never even heard of Zoom, now I use it daily. WhatsApp group chats are also a great way of keeping in touch and sharing stuff.
What are you missing the most?
Visiting friends and family, and socialising with friends. Although Zoom calls are great I’m looking forward to going out with friends, drinking gin and laughing until my sides are sore as we reminisce and share stories.
Also, I miss being able to visit Arran and can only imagine how beautiful it must have been during the recent sunny weather. I will never take it for granted again just being able to catch the ferry to Arran whenever I want.
Any top tips for coping with lockdown?
Remember that lockdown is not a competition to see who has achieved the most or coped the best. Just do what feels right for you and if possible practise some self care. Be kind to yourself and to others.
Do you have any box set, book or film recommendations?
I have loved reading books since a very young age. I’ve never progressed to a kindle as I love the feel and smell of books, plus it is so much easier to pass them on to others. Peter May is one of my favourite authors. His newest release is called Lockdown. He wrote the book in 2005 and was unable to get anyone to publish it as they thought that a story of London being under siege and in complete lockdown due to an invisible enemy of a virus was unrealistic and could never happen! Fast forward 15 years…
Have you been doing any exercise at home ? Be honest..
I’m far from the fittest person, but I have enjoyed doing my yoga classes over zoom. It can be very difficult to get back up off the floor after an amazing, relaxing 30 minute guided meditation.
Is there anything you are enjoying about having some time at home?
It has been nice to just enjoy life at a slower pace, as I’m normally going somewhere or constantly doing something. Its been lovely to have time to think and spend some time thinking about the way forward for my business. Although I’m definitely ready to start spending time with real people again.
People across Scotland are now making disastrous attempts at cutting their own hair . Will you be cutting your own hair?
I have not made any attempt to cut it yet, although I’m sure I won’t last much longer. Karen (my hairdresser) I apologise in advance….
Do you have a message to share with our brilliant NHS and key workers?
How lucky are we to have our wonderful NHS? It is lovely to see how special everyone makes patients at The Beatson feel, listen to the compassionate words spoken and witness the genuine empathy shown to others on a daily basis. I hope that all key workers realise how much they are appreciated at all times and the dedication shown through this difficult time is truly remarkable.
Thank you for your time Donna, and for all the wonderful volunteer work you're doing!
Why not read about our other Volunteer Star Andrew here who is also helping at The Beatson during these times.
