Karl Venus is one of our Volunteer Retail Drivers, helping to ensure donations reach the right place so our charity shops can continue raising vital funds for St Cuthbert's Hospice. From collecting furniture and donated goods to delivering stock across our network of shops, volunteer drivers play a key role in supporting our retail team. We rely on their dedication and generosity, and we're incredibly grateful for the time they give to help make a difference in our local communities.
The funds raised from our shops allow us to continue to be there for people with life-limiting illnesses, people approaching the end of life and people that are bereaved. This was the motivation for Karl choosing to spend a few hours a week supporting us after his wife Carmel sadly passed away in the Hospice.
Carmel was admitted to St Cuthbert’s Hospice in 2017. I hadn’t had any previous experience of the Hospice, but I instantly felt that this was the best place for Carmel to receive the care she needed. The staff were fantastic and helped us to navigate through this difficult time.
It was the small things that really did make the difference. Not only was I able to stay overnight with Carmel, but our little dog was also welcomed into the Hospice. This brought a lot of comfort to us all.
A year after Carmel’s passing, I decided that I wanted to give something back to the Hospice as a way of saying thank you for all they had done for us. I’d been lucky enough to retire from work and had a little spare time each week so I applied for a volunteer driver role. I’ve now been part of the team since 2018 and I enjoy every minute of it! I’d recommend it to anyone. If you’re at a loose end and have the time to spare, why not give your time to a worthy cause?
