Northwood-based Linda Gelernter, 43, has volunteered for Camp Simcha, a charity that helps improve the quality of life for Jewish children with cancer and other life threatening illnesses, for the past four years. She sings in a jazz band, Anything Goes, and also runs her own catering business
Why Camp Simcha?
Neville Goldschneider, who runs the charity, asked me to volunteer, and as my son had had cancer, I felt it was a worthy cause. I wish I had known about Camp Simcha when my son was ill.
What does your volunteering involve?
I deliver big bunches of bright shiny helium balloons to hospital wards including at Great Ormond Street, where my son was treated. The balloons are given to the children and are printed with Camp Simcha’s details. I have also given talks on behalf of the charity.
What do you most enjoy about being a volunteer?
There is nothing better than the look on a sick child’s face as it lights up when you enter a ward with the balloons.
What is your most memorable volunteering moment?
All the memories are good – even battling through a storm trying not to lose the balloons to the elements!