Gill’s Volunteer Story

From Teacher to Cruse Bereavement and Fundraising Champion

After 35 years as a teacher, Gill was worried about what life would look like after retirement. Today, she is a dedicated Cruse Bereavement Volunteer and Fundraising Champion.

As retirement approached, she felt uneasy. Teaching had been a huge part of her life, and she worried about what would happen when it suddenly stopped.

“I was terrified of waking up on a Monday and having nothing there.”

So, instead of waiting, Gill decided to plan ahead.

A Simple Search That Changed Everything

With one year left before retiring, Gill began looking for volunteering opportunities in her local area of Kent. While browsing the Volunteering in Kent website, she came across Cruse Bereavement Support.

Gill had always found it difficult to speak to people who were grieving. She worried about saying the wrong thing, so often she stayed quiet instead. One particular experience had stayed with her. A close friend’s husband had died. Gill hadn’t known what to say, so she said nothing. Later, her friend told her how much the silence had hurt.

Gill carried a deep sense of regret.

“I realised it wasn’t enough to keep telling myself, ‘I’m not very good at this,’” she says. “I knew I had to do better.”

So when she came across Cruse, it felt like an opportunity she couldn’t ignore. Gill doesn’t believe in coincidences, and finding Cruse at that moment felt like the right next step as she prepared for retirement.

Becoming a Bereavement Volunteer

Gill signed up for an information evening recruiting new volunteers to help run group sessions called Understanding Your Bereavement. She liked the idea of learning alongside other beginners.

“If I were learning with other beginners, I wouldn’t feel silly if I didn’t know everything.”

Five years later, Gill is still actively involved, supporting people in group sessions and helping them manage their grief.

“There are moments when you can see it in someone’s face,” she says. “You can see that a weight has been lifted.”

Through her volunteering, Gill has learned that grief is different for everyone and that small things, especially listening, really matter.

“I now feel confident in saying to a bereaved person that I may not have the right words to say at that moment, but I can assure them that I am here and often being here for a bereaved person in that moment is just what they need.”

Discovering the Need for Fundraising

During her time at Cruse, Gill saw how great the need for the service was. Despite Cruse doing everything it could, waiting lists continued to grow and funding became harder to secure. With demand rising and costs increasing, fundraising became personal for Gill.

“There’s a clear link,” she says. “Money means Cruse can help more people sooner with information and support.”

Gill never imagined herself as a fundraiser.

“I was embarrassed about asking people for money,” she admits.

But she realised the need was greater than her discomfort. She said yes to becoming a Fundraising Champion, and slowly, she found her confidence. She began encouraging donations at events. She gave talks to local groups. She built relationships in her community. She looked for small opportunities that could grow into something bigger.

One of Gill’s proudest moments came when she helped organise a choir concert in her local church. With the fundraising team’s advice and support, she arranged the venue, worked with a local choir, and brought the community together. At first, Gill worried that no one would attend, but when the night arrived, the church was full, with over 100 supporters. By the end of the evening, the event had raised £1,400.

You’re Never Alone

One of the things Gill values most is the support she receives.

“You never do this alone,” she says. The fundraising team are always there to help. They provide resources and offer advice.”

Gill sees fundraising as teamwork, opening doors and then working together to walk through them. Being a Fundraising Champion has given Gill more than she expected. It’s given her confidence, something to focus on after teaching, and a way to help people she may never meet.

Gill’s Advice

Her advice to anyone thinking about becoming a Fundraising Champion?

“Do it,” she says. “The need is real. The support is there. And you’ll be amazed at what you can do. If lots of people do little things, it adds up.”