When Helen is not busy being grandma to her two grandchildren she is living out her dream of working in the not-for-profit sector as lead for WHH hospitals' charity.
Why did you choose to work in the NHS?
Following many years of being a small business developer my passion, and soon to become my vision, was to become part of the non-profit sector. In time, I became the administrator at The Hospice of the Good Shepherd, Chester, moving swiftly into the fundraising team within 18 months.
Nine years later I arrived at Warrington and Halton Hospitals Charity (WHH Charity) in 2016, as Head of Fundraising where I am responsible for raising the profile of the charity and maximising the fundraising opportunities - no easy task when so many fantastic and established charities are so heavily embedded and well supported within our communities.
Tell us about your role?
I link people who have a desire to make a difference …. to the project that will make a difference!
I liaise with and support new fundraisers, manage new initiatives, build local business partnerships and most importantly support staff to work with the charity to turn ideas into a positive impact on patient experience.
What do you most enjoy about your role?
I am passionate about our NHS, which over the years has transformed the health and wellbeing of the nation and become the envy of the world. Supporting the NHS behind the scenes are the many hospital charities. I am proud to work within WHH Charity, striving hard to provide the additional comforts, care, and experience for the benefit of our patients and their families and to support the health and wellbeing of our staff.
What would you say to someone thinking about a career in the NHS?
There are many different roles within the NHS and a good way to learn more about them and experience the NHS from a different side is to volunteer. As well as the volunteering opportunities within the hospitals we have some wonderful on-site volunteers, without whom we would be unable to provide the variety of help required to support our wonderful community of donors and fundraisers. Volunteering gives the opportunity to meet like-minded people, learn new skills and become part of our evolving WHH Charity volunteer team, based at either Warrington or Halton hospitals.
For more information on volunteering and fundraising opportunities within Warrington and Halton Teaching Hospitals Charity visit www.
