Volunteer of the week: Sybil and Leslie Cohen

Leslie and Sybil Cohen volunteer at Chai Cancer Care. Leslie, a retired chartered accountant, has been involved with the Hendon-based support organisation for five years and Sybil started volunteering at Chai at the end of last year. Sybil worked at Parkside Health for more than 20 years

Why Chai?

Sybil explains: "Leslie had cancer 18 years ago and thankfully recovered. He wanted to give something back and felt he would be able to relate to clients at Chai so popped in one day and asked to volunteer. When I had more time on my hands last year, and knowing of the wonderful services provided by Chai, I too wanted to volunteer and help where I could."

What does your volunteering involve?

Leslie says: "I man the freephone helpline and befriend clients which involves a variety of roles from keeping someone company, to taking them to and from hospital, or to the Chai Centre. I build relationships with people, provide support and listen where needed. My level of involvement varies greatly from client to client, and should they be admitted to hospital I will go to visit them, not as a volunteer, but as a friend." Sybil adds: "I mostly help out on the reception desk, greeting clients and manning the switchboard." 

What do you enjoy most about volunteering?

Leslie says: "The satisfaction and pride I feel when I know I am helping someone through such difficult circumstances is immeasurable. It is a great feeling to know you have made a difference to someone, and the expressions of gratitude from those I have helped is an enormous reward, which makes everything extremely worthwhile. You will get far more back than you give. When someone suffering from cancer or a relative or friend says how good it feels to talk, there is no better feeling." Sybil adds: "The contact I make with so many special people, hopefully raising a smile and giving a friendly word to make them feel better."