Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice is appealing for more people from Doncaster to join its band of volunteers.

The hospice is caring for around 40 children and families from the town and organises a host of fundraising events there. But only 47 of its 560 volunteers are Donny folk.

“We would love to hear from Doncaster people of all ages who would like to get involved in our fundraising activities in the town,” said Terry Lowell, Volunteer Co-ordinator at the hospice.

A shining example is 20-year-old Sophie Roffe, who joined the hospice volunteers when she was just 16.

Since then she has been a willing pair of hands at a vast range of fundraising events across South Yorkshire.

“I am very happy to give my time because volunteering has given so much back to me,” explained Sophie, of Doncaster.

“I get to go to some really fun events – like the recent Soapbox Derby in Rotherham’s Clifton Park – and I meet lovely, positive people who are all united in their bid to help a very worthy cause.

“The hospice volunteering team is now like my second family and volunteering has helped me grow in confidence. I was very shy when I started; now I can chat away to anyone, of any age,” added Sophie, who works in sales and purchasing at Holdsworth Packaging near Crystal Peaks.

Sophie joined the team as a nursing student at North Notts College and thought work experience with a children’s hospice would help with the career she had set her heart on.

She changed her mind about her career, but her love for North Anston-based Bluebell Wood remained. “I became very aware of how much money it needs to raise every day and over the years I‘ve got more and more involved. I’d love more Doncaster people join me.”

Terry Lowell, Volunteer Co-ordinator at the hospice said: “Sophie is a wonderful example of the enthusiasm and fun people of all ages bring to our volunteering team.

She will be rattling our collecting tins and buckets at Doncaster Races on August 17 and calming nerves when we stage our sponsored Skydive from Hibaldstow Airfield in Brigg on September 8.

“Volunteering to help at our events is perfect for people who have jobs and other time commitments and may only have a few hours they can give. Those few hours are always valuable to us.”

To find out more contact Terry on 01909 508116/ [email protected]