Married volunteers Maria and Nick share their story

Married volunteers Maria and Nick share their story

25 March 2026

Maria and Nick are a married couple who volunteer together in the Friends Shop at Hammersmith Hospital, and will soon be celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary! Our Communications Manager, Rebecca, caught up with them to find out more. They told us about how they met, how they ended up volunteering at Hammersmith Hospital and why more people should apply to volunteer with Imperial Health Charity.

Rebecca: Can you start by telling me your names and how long you’ve volunteered with the Trust?

Maria: Hi, my name’s Maria. I’ve volunteered for just over two years now. 

Nick: My name’s Nick, and I started volunteering in November 2023. So about two years and four  months.

Rebecca: Did you start at the same time?

Maria: We did. I persuaded him!

Nick: She basically told me. "We’re going to volunteer at the hospital.” So we came in, and within a couple of weeks we were volunteering. And we both absolutely love it. It’s a great team of volunteers. Really lovely people, and it’s nice knowing you’re part of something that generates so much money that goes back into the hospital. 

Rebecca: How much has been raised?

Nick: This year we’ve raised £75,000 for the cardiothoracic department and £20,000 each for lung and renal research. That’s all been generated from this shop.

Maria:  We didn’t realise it was that much until we were told. It’s amazing to know that all the money is used to support the hospital.

Rebecca: You're also celebrating your 50th wedding anniversary?

Nick: Yes! We met and married within three months, back in 1976.

Maria: I’m originally from Spain. I moved to Wales when I was seven, then to London just before I turned 18. I met Nick in a pub where I was working. 

Nick: Three months later, we were married! 

Maria: This November we’re going to Vietnam and Cambodia to celebrate, and we’ll actually be in Vietnam on our anniversary.

Rebecca: Do you feel it's important that people volunteer at their local hospital? 

Maria: Definitely. It keeps you active and connected, and it’s good for your mental health. 

Nick: We try to encourage people who come into the shop to consider volunteering. It’s good for retirees who can commit to regular days and it’s so worthwhile. As long as we’re able to do so, we’ll keep volunteering.

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Volunteering is a great way to 
make a difference at your local 
hospital and develop your skills.
If Nick and Maria’s story has 
inspired you, you can apply to 
volunteer at: www.imperialcharity.org.uk/volunteer

Volunteering is a great way to make a difference at your local hospital and develop your skills. If Nick and Maria’s story has inspired you, apply to volunteer today.