Story 10 November 2021

Joao's story

King's College Hospital Charity is proud to fund the King's Volunteering Programme, which helps to provide additional support across our hospitals. Today we hear from volunteer, Joao, who has pledged to go the distance for King's at King's Santa Dash.

Joao volunteers on the Derek Mitchell Ward at King's College Hospital every Saturday for four hours.

 

"Every time I go on the ward, I feel so welcome by all the staff and really feel part of the King's family," says Joao.

 

"Often I join staff for the lunch break where they share their food with me and we have a great time. I have definitely bonded with lots of people during my time volunteering.

 

"Volunteering is a life changing experience for me. I cannot imagine not doing it anymore.  

 

"I have so many positive memories as a volunteer, from spending time with amazing nurses and healthcare assistants, to getting to know patients and getting a big smile from them.


 

"It feels good to be able to share my time with people that need it and I always say we never know when we will be the ones needing help, and in that situation we would all appreciate an extra smile."

Joao has decided to take his commitment to King's to the next level by taking on King's Santa Dash - a virtual 5km walk or jog.

 

Accompanying Joao on his Santa Dash around Clapham Common will be loyal pup, Maria. So far, Joao has fundraised over £150 for King's.

 

"It's the second year I am running the King's Santa Dash," says Joao.

 

"I started doing it because I know how hard all the hospital staff works at King's. With me being a volunteer there for so long, it made sense to go the extra mile to contribute a bit more. I would run 5k weekly anyway, so it feels so much better to do it for King's!

"I wanted to give something back to the community and always felt very passionate about taking care of people. A hospital should be exactly that - making people feel that they are taken care of and so that we can ease a bit of the stress they are going through. King's was on my doorstep and therefore the right place to start.

Are you interested in volunteering at one of our hospitals?

Volunteers play a vital role in improving the experience of patients and relieving pressure on frontline staff. #TeamKings wouldn't be the same without volunteers like Joao selflessly giving up their time. 

 

Click here to find out more about volunteering at King's College Hospital, the Princess Royal University Hospital, or Orpington Hospital.