In hospice care, it's often the small things that can make the biggest difference.

Meet Beverley Sharrock, a volunteer conversation starter at Cuerden Hall, our neurological care centre in Lancashire. Having initially come to Cuerden to use the centre’s day services, she soon became part of the Sue Ryder family and came up with the idea for her volunteer role after recognising a need for it. As part of Bev’s role, she encourages residents to think independently, focus on what they can do – rather than what they can’t - and live the fullest life possible. She does this through a game called ‘Table Talk’, which inspires residents to open up and reminisce about past experiences. According to her colleagues, Bev has a heart of gold. She always looks out for the residents of Cuerden Hall, despite the challenges of her own condition. She has a great sense of humour and when she’s not having a laugh or a joke, she’s looking after others – helping a resident with a drink or cheering someone up. She’s always focused on caring for others and will do anything she can to help Cuerden’s residents and staff. Her colleagues describe Bev as a brilliant ambassador for Sue Ryder who helps to raise awareness of our care at inductions and insight days, as well as in the local community. She’s also a keen fundraiser, organising events and sourcing prizes for raffles. She even donates her birthday money to Sue Ryder and buys toiletries for the 36 residents that live at Cuerden Hall. Bev was highly commended in the ‘Unsung Hero’ category at Sue Ryder's Incredible Colleagues awards in 2016.