Chetan's story

Chetan Bhakri optimises what it means to donate the gift of time to help others. A busy full-time software consultant, he could be forgiven for kicking-back in front of the tv of a weekend or relaxing with friends. But instead, the 50-year-old from New Malden puts on his volunteer uniform every Saturday and Sunday night and reports for duty at Kingston Hospital.

With a smile that radiates kindness, Chetan helps out in the hospital’s busy emergency department where he’s considered a key part of the team.

His many duties include keeping patients company and putting them at ease, providing hot drinks for and food for those awaiting care, ensuring linen cupboards are well stocked, and making sure the doctors and nurses have plentiful supplies of gloves and face masks.

Chetan’s motivation to help the NHS stems from his love for his younger brother, Amitabh, who was given a second lease of life after suffering heart failure last year at the age of 45. Amitabh underwent a heart transplant at Harefield Hospital in Uxbridge, followed by several weeks recovery at Kingston Hospital.

“It was a very worrying time for me,” recalled Chetan. “I’ve always been extremely close to my brother. To see him go through such a major operation was extremely difficult. I spent as much time by his bedside in hospital as I could.

“The care Amitabh received was second to none and I’ll never forget the determination of all the doctors and nurses to help him in his time of need.”

Fortunately, Amitabh’s operation was successful. He now lives with Chetan as he continues to build back his strength and stamina.

“The fact that my brother is still alive is a priceless gift that I’ll never be able to repay,” explained Chetan. “The best way I can show my gratitude to the NHS is to give my time.

“I feel that my experience of supporting Amitabh through his ordeal gave me real insight into what it’s like to be a carer for someone who’s in hospital, so in my volunteering role I always try to keep an eye on the patient’s husband, wife, son, or daughter and check how they are coping. Sometimes just offering someone a biscuit and a chance to talk can make an enormous difference.

“Recently I approached an elderly gentleman who was at the hospital with his wife who was unwell. When I asked him whether he needed anything he became quite overwhelmed and he explained that he didn’t expect anyone to be concerned about him, as he wasn’t the patient.”

Chetan feels that volunteering helps him to gain perspective on life. “It makes me a better person and builds compassion in me. As a hospital volunteer, you realise that whatever pains and problems you have in life are nothing compared to what some people have to put up with.”

Chetan, who also volunteers for a HIV charity, believes that he’s found his true calling at Kingston Hospital, despite only having joined the volunteering team two months ago. “I will carry on doing this for as long as I can,” he vowed.