Lincoln says:

I spent a week shadowing at The Royal Marsden in Sutton as part of my work experience. I learned a lot about staff roles and saw how kindly the patients are treated. The work experience inspired me to join The Royal Marsden as a volunteer to support cancer patients, no matter how small the contribution.

I began volunteering as a Meet and Greet Volunteer in November 2023. New patients sometimes feel overwhelmed by the unfamiliar hospital environment, so I’d chat to them while I accompanied them to their destination. Seeing them become more comfortable made me realise how simply being there for someone can make a real difference.

I’m now a Ward Support Volunteer – a role I started in January 2026. A typical morning involves delivering meals to patients and making their beds. Other tasks can include answering call bells, making tea or coffee for patients and topping up medical supplies outside patient beds.

It’s great to be able to help wherever possible. The wards can get very busy and it can feel overwhelming for staff, who work so hard to support patients.

"Even the smallest gestures can have a positive impact on someone who’s having cancer treatment."

There was one instance where I was chatting with a patient and it seemed to me like he wanted some interesting activities to do during his stay. I suggested that he might enjoy word search puzzles. When I returned to deliver his meal, he told me that he’d been feeling low, but our chat had made his day.

I’m so grateful for all the opportunities I’ve had at volunteering The Royal Marsden- everyone here is so kind. Staying in hospital can be challenging for patients, so stepping in to provide comfort is extremely rewarding. I also enjoy contributing to my community and helping to improve the quality of care that each patient receives.

Find out more about volunteering as a Ward Support Volunteer at the Royal Marsden in Sutton

Do you have a great volunteer story to share? Get in touch with Jo Dawson our Volunteering Officer