For 15 years, Dan Aspin and Sheila Powell have been 2 of the friendly, familiar faces that make the Children’s Hospice South West (CHSW) shop in Wellington such a special place.
Since the day the shop opened in January 2011, they have given their time and energy to help raise vital funds to support local families who rely on the care provided by CHSW.
To celebrate their remarkable milestone, Dan and Sheila were invited, after being nominated by their team, to attend the ‘Together at Christmas’ carol service at Westminster Abbey, hosted by HRH The Princess of Wales at the end of last year. They were among 6 CHSW volunteers chosen to represent the charity at this prestigious event, joining more than 1,600 guests including volunteers from across the country, local heroes, and well-known names from the world of entertainment.
Back in Wellington, their colleagues marked the occasion with a heartfelt celebration, where they received certificates and flowers presented by Chris Judd, CHSW’s Head of Retail, and Julie Johnston, Area Retail Manager.
For Julie, nominating the pair was an easy decision:
Daniel has been part of CHSW since the Wellington shop first opened,” she said. “Twice a week, he takes his place behind the till from 10am to 3pm, greeting customers with his warm smile and friendly manner. Known for his exceptional customer service, Dan is loved by the local community and brings joy to everyone he meets. Always happy to help wherever needed, his enthusiasm and commitment have made him a cornerstone of the Wellington shop team.
Sheila has been just as dedicated from the very beginning. Volunteering twice a week, she is described by Julie as:
A powerhouse behind the scenes, processing stock at incredible speed, steaming, hanging, and tagging clothes so items can be rotated quickly and efficiently. Thanks to Sheila’s hard work, the shop always looks fresh and inviting. Thoughtful and caring, she’s the kind of person who always looks out for her fellow volunteers, creating a supportive and friendly atmosphere. Her dedication makes her an essential part of the team
For Sheila, volunteering for CHSW is something she feels very passionate about: “This charity has always held a very special place in my heart. Before CHSW was here, I went through a personal loss, so I truly understand how vital it is for families to have somewhere safe to turn, a place where they can rest, where siblings feel seen and supported, and where everyone can just feel normal for a little while. Working in the Wellington shop means so much to me. It feels like more than a workplace, it’s a family. We laugh together, support each other, and build real friendships. Being part of it gives me purpose and a reason to get up every morning.”
Dan feels the same commitment to the charity he volunteers for: “I love working at the Children’s Hospice South West shop, it’s brilliant! I get to chat loads, keep busy, and have a few cheeky giggles with the team. Everyone knows me here and we have so much fun together. It makes me really happy coming in, and I feel proud because we’re doing something kind and helping families too!”
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The impact of volunteers like Dan and Sheila stretches far beyond the shop floor. CHSW supports more than 500 families every year, offering care for babies, children and young people with life-limiting conditions, as well as support for the whole family. With 38 charity shops across the South West, volunteers play an essential part in making this care possible, raising vital funds while creating warm, welcoming spaces within the heart of the community.
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Helen Stoodley, Manager of the Wellington shop, couldn’t be prouder of her team:
Our shop wouldn’t be what it is without our amazing volunteers, they are the heart of what we do here in Wellington. Every smile, every helping hand, every success story in our shop starts with our volunteers. Volunteers are the heartbeat of our Wellington shop, giving their time, care and energy to make a real difference. We couldn’t do it without them!
Dan and Sheila’s 15 years of service reflect everything that makes CHSW shops such special places; friendship, community and a shared purpose.
If their story inspires you and you’d like to know more about volunteering in a CHSW shop, visit www.chsw.org.uk/volunteer