At The Joshua Tree, we all have unique reasons for being here, and taking the time to understand these reasons reveals fascinating stories and connections. During our recent Volunteer coffee morning where time was spent to meet new members of our Family support team, everyone shared a bit about themselves and their motivations for volunteering. It was heart warming to hear each story, and we’d love to share some of them with you.
One of our wonderful gardener volunteers explained how her weekly gardening at our support centre brings calmness to her busy life. As a healthcare professional, she knows the importance of a positive environment for wellbeing and recovery. By helping to maintain our outside area, she ensures families feel reassured and cared for. Initially taking on the gardening solo, she has now developed a growing gardening group, creating a social circle of like-minded individuals.
Another dedicated gardening volunteer has been with us from the very beginning. As a friend the charity founders, David and Lynda Hill, she wanted to help them when their son Joshua was diagnosed with Leukaemia. She started by volunteering in the early days in our first office space, doing admin work. Over 10 years later, she and her husband still support the charity, volunteering whenever possible.
A volunteer who supports the family support team shared how much she enjoys working with the families and children who attend our events. For her, volunteering not only supports the families but also gives her a positive wellbeing boost. She finds joy in knowing she can create happiness and be part of an amazing charity without the pressures of work or outside worries.
Another volunteer shared her poignant story. Her son was diagnosed with cancer at a very young age, and now in his 30s and thriving, she wanted to support families going through a similar journey. Back in the 90s, there wasn’t the same support that The Joshua Tree offers today. Her strength and compassion drive her to volunteer, knowing she can make a child smile or give a parent a moment of peace.
One volunteer at the coffee morning spoke about how he fell in love with what the charity does for families after being introduced to us through networking connections. With spare time to give to good causes, he reached out to see how he could help. He now supports the weekly cleaning of the support centre and attends family and corporate events, all while running his own successful businesses. His next challenge is The 2025 Arctic Trek, showcasing his commitment to going above and beyond for The Joshua Tree.
Staff members also shared their stories, many having personal connections with childhood cancer. From being a sibling in a cancer journey to being diagnosed themselves, their experiences bring valuable insight and empathy to their roles. It’s inspiring to see how closely linked we all are, and this sense of community is what makes The Joshua Tree so special. It’s more than just a charity; it’s a community with the heart of a family at its centre.
Whether you’re a family going through childhood cancer or someone wanting to volunteer, come and be part of our Joshua Tree family. We’re here for you.
Volunteering at The Joshua Tree is simple and flexible. You can choose how much time you can offer and what activities you’d like to support, whether it’s helping families, volunteering at corporate events, running workshops, or maintaining our centre. Volunteers are the heart of our charity, and we value all the help we receive.
Some volunteering roles require a DBS check, so get in touch soon to get set up and start supporting our events.
Contact us at familysupport@thejoshuatree.org.uk to learn more about volunteering opportunities. We look forward to welcoming you to our Joshua Tree family!
