MP for Newcastle North, Catherine McKinnell today praised the efforts of local volunteers involved in Marie Curie’s Helper service.

The Helper service – which has been available in Tyne and Wear since last year – matches trained volunteers with people living with terminal illnesses, providing them and their loved ones, with companionship, emotional support and practical help.

Catherine met with her Newcastle North constituent Don Lowther who has terminal cancer and 21-year old Faye Morrison, a student from Gateshead.

Since last December, Faye has been making regular visits to see Don in his home and over that time, they have developed a close relationship.

Faye was inspired to volunteer after seeing first-hand the care that Marie Curie provides. She explains:

“My nana was cared for in the Marie Curie Hospice in Newcastle before we lost her to pancreatic cancer about a year and a half ago. The amazing work of the nurses and doctors at the hospice really spurred me on to want to do something to help. They put me in touch with Helper service and it went from there really.”

Talking about her visits to see Don, Faye says:

“The first time I met Don was in December last year. We had a lovely chat in his home followed by a trip to the fish quay. Due to his condition, Don’s feet tend to swell up quite a bit, so he’s actually lost the ability to drive. That’s why he wanted a Helper volunteer. I was able to take him places and help him to do things that he couldn’t do on his own anymore.

“It’s kind of like having a friend – not like having a carer. I feel like I’m an open ear and there are things Don might say to me, which if he said to a family member, it might upset them. I’m just someone on the outside for Don to talk to – we have some great chats and he gives me lots of advice!”

Faye feels that being a Helper volunteer has also had a positive impact on her:

“Being a Helper volunteer puts your life into perspective really. It completely takes all your worries away and gives me a bit of satisfaction knowing that I’ve made a difference. Like when it came to Christmas. I went to the fish quay with Don and had fish and chips and at that point I didn’t really think I’d made that much of a change to his life. But then he rang Heather, the Tyne & Wear Helper manager, and told her that I’d made their Christmas! From then on, that’s made me so determined to carry on doing it. I didn’t think for one minute I could help someone and really benefit them.

“It also brings you back down to earth and makes you think about what’s important. Like your friends, family, loved ones. With university and stuff, I think I’m quite a stress-head – I run around and I’m stressed about deadlines most of the time. But having this volunteer role grounds you a bit and you think, ‘calm down, you’re alright’.”

“To anyone who’s thinking of becoming a Helper volunteer, I would say, even if you’re apprehensive, just go along to an open day and give it a chance. It’s a massively needed service and there’s not enough of us. You don’t have to have had training because you’re given all of that, so anyone can do it. It’s just like making a new friend!”

Following her meeting with Faye and Don, Catherine McKinnell said:

“It was such a privilege to meet with Don and Faye, and hear more about how the Helper service works.

“Faye is making a massive difference to Don’s quality of life, but it’s clear that she has also benefited greatly from volunteering in this way.

“I really hope that Faye’s example inspires others to get involved in supporting Marie Curie’s work.”

More information about Marie Curie’s Helper service, and how to get involved, is available here.