From fundraising coffee mornings to helping those with cancer
A BALLYGOWAN woman has revealed how organising fundraising coffee mornings for fellow bank staff, led to her becoming a support worker for cancer charity, Macmillan.
Sally Irvine had a 40-year career in the bank, during which time she was heavily involved in organising coffee morning fundraisers in the branch.
Following retirement, she contacted the Macmillan Unit at the Ulster Hospital: “Staff offered me some opportunities within the unit as well as the Cancer Centre at the City Hospital. I love people and the fact that I am able to just talk and give them a little bit of help or support,” Sally said.
Sally went from her volunteering role, to a health and wellbeing support worker after a position within the unit became available. “I thought, well, ‘why not?’ I was really supported and encouraged by the team at the unit and I just put my hat in the ring, went ahead, applied and was successful. I have been here since January last year and I am just loving it.
“I know I am in the right place, I know where I am meant to be, I know this is what I am meant to be doing, I am just loving it and it has given me a whole new lease of life.”
When asked what she enjoys most about the role, Sally replied: “It is the opportunity of being alongside a patient. Maybe that person is in despair, maybe they are without hope, but by the end of our conversation, either by phone or face-to-face, you think you have made a difference and you have helped them along the way. That is a privilege. I find myself wanting to be strong for that person.”
Sally added: “Whether you have family or close friends going through cancer, you really just want to get alongside them, sometimes you are walking with them, sometimes you are carrying them. You just want to do something and be that bit of support that they need.”
To anyone who may be thinking of offering their time and compassion to the Macmillan Cancer Unit, Sally said: “Just do it, it is as simple as that. It is the best thing for you. You have no idea what it will lead to and you have no idea of how it will improve your own mental and physical well-being.
“What more could you ask for in a job?”
