Nina began volunteering for Noah's Ark last year. The charity works with Barnet and Chase Farm hospitals to provide a community service for life-limited children and their families in Enfield and Barnet. The former legal secretary also worked as a teaching assistant at Rosh Pinah for six years
I had recently retired and a friend mentioned Noah's Ark to me. I am lucky to have three healthy children and I thought involvement with the hospice would be my way to give something back.
I have volunteered once a week for the Leighton Project since November 2007. The project teaches independent living skills to 12 young adults with mild to moderate learning difficulties. I help to take students on public transport and on shopping trips, helping them to learn how to handle money.
Once a week I go to the Noah's Ark appeals office in London Colney and help with general administration. This involves anything from helping with mailouts to emptying collection buckets and counting donations. I am looking forward to joining the family support programme later this year as I will then be able to provide practical support to families.
I enjoy the camaraderie of the Noah's Ark team.
Last December the end-of-year family party was a special occasion. All the children and their families went to the Chicken Shed Theatre for an afternoon of magic, games and present giving. Players from Barnet Football Club came along and joined in the fun. It was a heartwarming experience.