Meet our Volunteer, Linda

To mark Volunteers’ Week 2026, we’ve been catching up with some of our incredible volunteers. Linda has been volunteering with Nelson’s Journey for a number of years, we’ve asked her some questions about what she enjoys about her volunteering experience with us:

 

Why do you volunteer for Nelson’s Journey?

The death of a special person in a child or young person’s life and their subsequent grief, can have a profound effect on their mental health for the remainder of their life, if not handled and supported appropriately. I know that we are incredibly fortunate in Norfolk to have such an amazing charity like Nelson’s Journey. I hope as a volunteer and by giving my time, I can play a small part in bringing back the smiles to bereaved children and young people of Norfolk.

 

What activities have you taken part in whilst volunteering?

Over the last few years as a volunteer, I have taken part in a variety of activities, including most recently two separate activity days at Hilltop, Sheringham. I have also marshalled at the Walk of Smiles, handed out chocolate eggs at this year’s Easter Egg Hunt (always a popular role) sold raffle tickets at the annual Christmas Quiz, handed out mince pies at the Time to Remember Christmas service, cheered on paddle boarders, taken on a 3 hour Zumbathon dressed in purple and a whole variety of other roles, depending on what is required. I have also represented Nelson’s Journey at various events, talking to members of the public about the work of the charity.

 

Why do you enjoy most about volunteering?

It’s hard to narrow down exactly what I enjoy most about being a volunteer for Nelson’s Journey. Over the past few years, it has been a joy and great privilege to work with the charity’s wonderful staff and fellow volunteers, everyone is so kind and supportive. It can be emotionally challenging at times but knowing that the time I give to help does make a difference, really makes it all worthwhile.

 

Do you have a particular volunteering highlight?

My particular volunteering highlight happened a few years ago when a friend asked me to give a short talk about Nelson’s Journey to a group of visitors to her farm, where she was hosting the Midlands and Southern Highland Cattle Society Day. The proceeds from the event she wished to donate to Nelson’s Journey. The following day, a couple who were at the event and also trustees for another charity based in East Anglia, contacted Smiles House to discuss the donation of a large sum of money they wished to make and indeed they have continued to make further substantial donations over subsequent years. To me this highlighted the importance of being a volunteer and just what sort of a difference giving our time can make.

 

Thank you to Linda and all our volunteers for your vital support!

 

 

If you are interested in becoming a Nelson’s Journey Volunteer, you can find out more information here or call our team on 01603 431788