Davie Wynne – Volunteer for Beatson Cancer Charity
In 2023 I was in for testicular cancer. When I was in the ward I got talking to some of the patients and I started pestering Marlyn (Beatson Cancer Charity’s Volunteer Manager) about how to become a volunteer.
And it lead from there – I think I was too high from the steroids I was given! If you had asked me 18 months beforehand I wouldn’t have seen myself doing something like that. When I came into The Beatson you come in thinking it is something else, but it’s actually a cracking place and I just felt that it was good to give something back. I love doing my Wednesday shifts – it’s the best day of the week!!
I go on to the ward and do the coffees, teas, juices and I help put the lunches out. Generally, I talk to the patients and give them a bit of patter. They get to see my big smiley face and my bright yellow t-shirt.
I think when I was in, there was a lady across the room from me and she had no visitors, so I just used to go in and sit with her. I think it just made her day. The feedback I get from the patients is, “You’ve made my day son! Thanks very much!”.
They might not see visitors all day so just to see a wee smiley face and have someone give them a wee bit of patter, it makes their day for them. I always go round every room at the end of my shift and say “Cheerio!” and I’ll see them in a week or three weeks depending on when the cycles are working for them.
I come from the area, so I know a lot of people who have been treated here. It is a sad place as well. There have been a few young deaths over the years, but the volunteering staff always check-in and ask if you are okay and are very supportive.
If I could do more volunteering, I would.