Two friends who met through volunteering at City Hospice share their experiences during Love Your Hospice Month.
Gill Brooks and Gill Patricolo met while they were volunteering at City Hospice and have since become lifelong friends.
Gill Patricolo sadly lost her husband of 44 years, Vittorio in 2021. Gill and Vittorio were inseparable. They shared interests and did a lot together which made his loss particularly devastating for Gill.
In the months following Vittorio’s passing, Gill sought a sense of purpose and decided to start volunteering at City Hospice. The charity was briefly involved in Gill’s son-in-law’s end of life care and provided counselling to another family member.
Gill Brooks’ husband Paul received specialist palliative care at home from City Hospice and has been volunteering for the charity for over two years.
Described as caring, loyal, and well-liked by many, Paul was a Building Services Engineer at the National Museum of Wales. He loved his DIY projects and spending time with his grandchildren.
Gill Patricolo said,
“Volunteering with City Hospice has opened a new world for me. Feeling useful to others has helped me in my grieving process.
‘’I had the pleasure of meeting Gill during City Hospice’s admin volunteering sessions every Thursday. We hit it off straight away. We both love socialising, eating out and going to the theatre.
‘’For me it has been incredibly healing to spend time with Gill, both having experienced the loss of our husbands and valuing family, our friendship has become a source of incredible support. ”
Gill Brooks told us,
“I love volunteering with City Hospice, the team are so kind and welcoming, and it has been a pleasure meeting lots of lovely people. Gill and I have become great friends. We regularly meet to go for food and to the theatre. I know she will always be there for me as I will be for her.
“A small group of us who volunteer together on a Thursday also meet up for lunch which is really nice.”
The pair also actively volunteers together at City Hospice’s events such as Forever Flowers and Sparkle Walk. They now encourage the community to engage with and support Love Your Hospice Month.
They added,
“Love Your Hospice Month is a perfect opportunity to celebrate all the amazing things City Hospice achieves. From caring for patients and supporting their families to bringing new people together.
“Being a part of the charity not only gives us a sense of contributing to something, but it also provides the sense of never being alone. We will forever be grateful for City Hospice.”
Learn more about Love Your Hospice Month here
