As we look back on key milestones, we start with 40 years of volunteers, as it all began with them.
Keep an eye on our social media for stories, stats and more as we look back on four decades together.
Disover the timeline of our history and the story behind our name.
Listen to our new podcast ‘A conversation with’. Each week we will be talking to long standing volunteers and members of the volunteering team about volunteering through the decades.🎙️
To celebrate the 40th anniversary of volunteering at Princess Alice Hospice, we speak with the Voluneering team who are in charge of recruiting, managing and looking after Princess Alice Hospice volunteers as well as developing roles and adapting to the changing requirements of the Hospice.
Jane has been involved in the Hospice since it began 40 years ago, as a member of the Friends of the Hospice and now as the Honourary President. Jane has seen how the Hospice has grown over the years and shares her unique experience of Princess Alice Hospice and its history.
We speak with Jane, who is the second longest serving volunteer at Princess Alice Hospice, having volunteered for 39 years only recently stepping back from her duties as a shop volunteer in Kingston upon Thames! Jane tells us about her time on the ward in the early days, when the Queen Mother came in 1986 and her long stint at the Kingston shop.
Gill tells us her story from member of staff to much valued volunteer. Gill started as a member of Therapies team, transitioned to the Education team and then started our choir as a volunteer. Since retiring Gill has continued to volunteer with the choir and now volunteers with Eddy, the PAT dog, on the ward!
Volunteer from the very beginning, Lynne tells us about the range of roles she has taken on at the Hospice. From working on the ward, to helping teach bereaved partners to cook, she is now as volunteer at a bereavement cafe and loves her work. Lynne has an incredible retrospective view of the Hospice and the changes through the years and doesn’t plan to stop volunteering any time soon.
Antonette had a successful career in sales in marketing for many years. When she decided to take a step back she begun volunteering as a morning Ward Support Volunteer. After 18 rewarding months a position as a Health Care Assistant came up. Seven years on, with support and training, she is a Senior Health Care Assistant and loves her newfound and unexpected career! Hear her journey.
Uncover the potential career benefits of volunteering…
Ever wondered where volunteering could take you?
Our Princess Alice Hospice shops are being spruced up to celebrate 40 years of volunteering – 80’s style.
Look out for them at your local Princess Alice Hospice shop during volunteer’s week (3 to 9 June).⭐
Fun fact: did you know that originally all of our shops were volunteer led?
Compassion and care are at the heart of what we do. Read what families have shared about their experiences with our hospice.
Posted on Google
Alain Bakas
We will never be able to thank the team at Princess Alice Hospice enough for the love, care, dignity, and compassion they showed our papa and our whole family. They cared for my papa for a month, and then welcomed him back again for his final 8 days before he passed on 3rd April 2026. Every single member of staff became like family to us during the hardest time of our lives. Their kindness, patience, support, and genuine compassion will stay in our hearts and minds forever. They not only cared for our papa with dignity and respect, but they also supported all of us emotionally every step of the way. We are so grateful for everything they did for our papa and for the comfort they brought him in his final days. Thank you again to the entire team for the incredible work you do every day. You are truly special people, and we will never forget you.Posted on Google
Darek KubikThe shop in Claygate on Parade is well run and stocked place. The manager Mrs Roheana is helpful and friendly person...well donePosted on Google
Nicola JeebaunSo grateful for the kind and caring team at Easher. They supported us so much while spending our last days with mum Will always be grateful From the Greenaway familyPosted on Google
Stephen NicholsonI'm deeply grateful for the exceptional care and support provided by Princess Alice Hospice in Esher. Their warm and helpful staff made a significant difference during a difficult time after losing my grandfather to prostate cancer in July 2017. The bereavement team and therapy offered were invaluable in helping me cope with the loss and navigate my grief. I'm thankful for their kindness and dedication. Massive shout out to Lynne my bereavement councillor who was incredible with me, I’ll never forget you.Posted on Google
Jo GMy Mum was there for 3 weeks before she passed away in Nov . The staff and level of care was amazing, she was loved by the staff. They couldn't of done more for her. Myself and my sister were also supported. We donated a large memorial feather in our Mums memory. It's such a shame that most if their funding comes from donations.Posted on Google
Robert Crapnell1st class care for my wife, I will never forget the care and attention. My will has provsion to say thank you.Posted on Google
Ruby BhurjiMy dad passed away in jan 26th 2005. The staff was amazing. So supportive through our difficult times. They really looked after dad. They always had a smile on their faces. So grateful for everything they did for dad and us. Just want to say a big thank you and keep up with all the hard work you all do.Posted on Google
Rosanna StechThe call out night service team of Princess Alice were amazing with my Granny in her last few days. She was able to stay in her own home and have their amazing team look after her when we called them. I would like to especially say a big thank you to Camilla who was always so cheerful, professional and put us at ease when we really needed it. She would remember our family members names despite being called out to a number of houses every evening and was always a reassuring voice when she answered the phone. She made a real difference to my Granny’s end of life and I wouldn’t have wanted her to be under any other care. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.