TWO volunteers are celebrating 15 years of service at the Children’s Hospice South West charity shop in Wellington.
Since the shop opened in 2011, Dan Aspin and Sheila Powell have put considerable time and energy each year into the shop on High Street, which raises money for Children’s Hospice South West.
Children's Hospice South West supports more than 500 families every year, offering care for babies, children and young people with life-limiting conditions, as well as support for the whole family.
The charity said that volunteers like Dan and Sheila ‘play an essential part in making this care possible, raising vital funds while creating warm, welcoming spaces within the heart of the community’.
To mark the milestone, Dan and Sheila’s colleagues hosted a celebration where the two volunteers received certificates and flowers presented by Chris Judd, Children’s Hospice South West’s head of retail, and Julie Johnston, the area retail manager.
Sheila said: “This charity has always held a very special place in my heart. Before the Children’s Hospice South West shop was here, I went through a personal loss, so I truly understand how vital it is for families to have somewhere safe to turn, a place where they can rest, where siblings feel seen and supported, and where everyone can just feel normal for a little while.
“Working in the Wellington shop means so much to me. It feels like more than a workplace, it’s a family. We laugh together, support each other, and build real friendships. Being part of it gives me purpose and a reason to get up every morning.”
The pair were also invited, after being nominated by their team, to attend the ‘Together at Christmas’ carol service at Westminster Abbey, hosted by HRH The Princess of Wales at the end of last year.
They were among six Children’s Hospice South West volunteers chosen to represent the charity at the prestigious event, joining more than 1,600 guests including volunteers from across the country, local heroes, and well-known names from the world of entertainment.
Dan said: “I love working at the Children’s Hospice South West shop, it’s brilliant. I get to chat loads, keep busy, and have a few cheeky giggles with the team. Everyone knows me here and we have so much fun together. It makes me really happy coming in, and I feel proud because we’re doing something kind and helping families too.”
Helen Stoodley, manager of the Wellington Children’s Hospice South West shop, said: “Our shop wouldn’t be what it is without our amazing volunteers, they are the heart of what we do here in Wellington. Every smile, every helping hand, every success story in our shop starts with our volunteers.
“Volunteers are the heartbeat of our Wellington shop, giving their time, care and energy to make a real difference. We couldn’t do it without them.”
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