For the past 19 years, Jennie has been a devoted volunteer with Children’s Hospice South West (CHSW), a journey that began in 2006 when she retired from her career as a paediatric nursing sister and midwife. After hearing about the construction of Charlton Farm hospice in Wraxall, Jennie arranged a visit. "I received a tour and instantly signed up that very day," she recalls. “I knew I had to be part of something so special.”
Jennie's story is a powerful reminder of the impact one person can make through kindness, compassion, and unwavering commitment.
Since then, Jennie has become an essential part of the CHSW family. Whether she's volunteering at the Bath Half Marathon, Santas on a Bike, Strength in Style fashion show, or helping behind the scenes at corporate events at Bath Racecourse, Jennie brings warmth, energy, and grace to every event. She also supports the fundraising team, gives talks about legacies, collects donations, and welcomes visitors with heartfelt tours at CHSW’s Charlton Farm hospice.
Children’s Hospice South West supports children with life-limiting conditions and their families across the region. Its three children’s hospices, including Charlton Farm in Wraxall, offer respite stays, specialist play, sibling support, and compassionate end-of-life care. With less than 11% of its £14 million annual running costs funded by the government, CHSW relies heavily on public donations.
Even outside of CHSW, Jennie gives her time generously. For the past 17 years, she’s served as a street pastor, often volunteering from 10pm to 4am once a month to support homeless people and those facing difficult circumstances in Bath. She provides warm clothing, blankets, food essentials, and hot drinks, ensuring that those out on the streets are treated with dignity, warmth, and care.
Among Jennie’s most treasured memories is her meeting with Queen Camilla during a royal visit to Charlton Farm in 2024, “a real privilege,” she says. Another standout moment was time spent with CHSW Co-founder Eddie Farwell, who died in 2025. “He always brought a smile to my face. He was truly wonderful.”
But for Jennie, the most enduring joy comes from meeting the children and families who rely on the hospice. “It’s such a wonderful charity,” she says.
Those families need us and I feel lucky to be part of that.
In 2025, Jennie was named ‘Volunteer of the Year’ at the Bath Echo Awards, a recognition she describes as “amazing” and “very humbling.” “There are so many incredible people who give their time to charities,” she said modestly. “I was honoured just to be nominated.”
Her commitment has not gone unnoticed.
Heidi Roberts, CHSW Area Fundraiser, shared: "Jennie is so passionate about CHSW. She has been spreading the word about the charity through talks and tours for nearly 20 years. She inspired me to apply for the Area Fundraiser role covering the Bath & North East Somerset Area and West Wiltshire, and she has been a huge support to me since taking on the role 4 years ago."
"She lightens up an event with her presence and is a joy to be around.
"Thank you Jennie for all your hard work and support, it is so appreciated!"
As she approaches her 80th birthday, Jennie will celebrate with her family in Cornwall, before heading off on a well-earned cruise to the Canary Islands with her husband in January, a joint celebration of her birthday and wedding anniversary.
Volunteering has given Jennie a sense of purpose, connection, and joy.
I get tremendous satisfaction from meeting people, talking to them, and hearing their stories. What we give as volunteers is so important.
When asked to sum up her experience, she says simply:
“I feel part of the CHSW family. Each time I visit the hospice, the welcome is amazing. Everyone who works there is just wonderful.”
For anyone considering becoming a volunteer, Jennie’s message is clear:
It is one of the best charities I have volunteered for.
"The charity looks after the volunteers so well and we are truly appreciated. It is a privilege to support CHSW.”