John's music brings joy to patients

Submitted by Rachel Drummond, Marie Curie

John Windsor has volunteered for Marie Curie for many years, carrying out roles such as Bereavement Support, Day Therapy Assistant and Patient Driver, to name but a few. John had to stand down from his usual patient facing roles at the beginning of the pandemic but remained keen to assist Marie Curie in any way he could.

The pandemic not only influenced our volunteers but also our patients and with restricted visiting it was difficult for many of our in-patients. John offered to play his accordion in the hospice gardens to the delight of the patients. One patient sat in her window and gave John a double thumbs up to show her appreciation for his music.

John was actively involved in National Nurses Week, ensuring each hospice and community nurse received a parcel which was kindly donated by Superdrug. He travelled the length and breadth of the north making sure that nobody was missed out. Included in John’s travels was the regular delivery of much needed PPE. One of his journey’s clocked up over 300 miles ensuring our nurses were able to deliver care safely to our patients.