Volunteers' Week spotlight: Darren

Volunteers' Week spotlight: Darren

04 June 2019

After undergoing a sleeve gastrectomy at St Mary’s Surgical Innovation Centre I successfully lost a life changing 19 stone 8.2 lbs.

I decided to become an Imperial Health Charity volunteer as it was a great way to give back to the hospital that has given me so much help and support. I wouldn’t be where I am today if it wasn’t for St Mary’s Hospital and it’s helped me get my life back on track.

Since I started volunteering in March I’ve gained numerous skills that help with the role. What stands out the most is the confidence it’s helped me regain in myself as it was something I completely lost when I was trying to overcome my ongoing weight issues.

Visiting any hospital can be a rather daunting experience for some and I feel the main difference I make within the hospital as a volunteer is standing out in my eye-catching purple uniform and being an approachable figure, instantly ready to go out of my way to help the patients and visitors that come through the hospital doors each day.

If I had to give any advice to someone looking to volunteer it would definitely be to not think twice about it. Giving up a few hours of your spare time each week to help make a difference is one of the most rewarding feelings you can experience.

To find out more about the charity's volunteering programme, click here.