Retired Geography teacher Morag Sanderson found herself in a whole new world when she began volunteering at Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice.

She joined the kitchen staff preparing meals for families and staff.

“I had wanted to do something very different to what I’d done at work - I was up for stepping out of my comfort zone. But I was a bit worried. Suddenly I’d gone from cooking for me and my husband to helping with lunches for 45 people,” said Morag, 67, who is one of over 500 volunteers at the North Anston hospice.

Every Thursday for the last 18 months she has been up to her elbows in washing up, peeling vegetables and clearing tables.

“I’ve loved every minute though,” added the grandma and mum of two from Dinnington. “The kitchen team are absolutely lovely to work with, we have fun and I enjoy meeting the families.”

Morag taught at Aston Comprehensive between 1974 and 2004 before taking up a part-time role in Rotherham, retiring in 2009.

She had volunteered with youth services and Riding for the Disabled, and Bluebell Wood caught her attention when her husband Bob took up the captaincy of Blyth Golf Society three years ago.

“He chose the children’s hospice as his charity for the year. I went with him to present the money raised and thought it looked a lovely place. When they sent him a thank you letter, there was a leaflet about hospice volunteering and I decided it was for me,” she said.

“I get such joy from knowing that every little task I do helps families who are going through very difficult times. The hospice gives an invaluable service and I am very proud to be a part of that. I’m not planning to retire from this job!”

Bluebell Wood is celebrating Volunteer’s Week between 1st - 7th June. To find out how you can volunteer at the hospice or in one of their shops, visit www.bluebellwood.org/volunteer or call 01909 517 360.