Creative ways to fundraise

Val Aston experienced hospice care first hand in 1994 when her husband, Norman, became terminally ill.  Just ten months after Norman died, Val suffered another life changing event by breaking her back falling from a ladder.

She was forced to leave her job and had to reconsider what to do with her time. Volunteering was now an option and Hospice became her chosen charity. Val developed and has led a team of caterers in the Warkworth Wellsford community for the past 10 years.  They are famous – called on to cater for funerals, weddings and special occasions – and all the proceeds go to Hospice.  As if this wasn’t enough, Val has been a family support volunteer for the past 22 years as well. Volunteering gave Val new purpose and an overwhelming sense of gratitude for the “beautiful souls” she meets.

As Val says “every patient has taught me something that’s been really important in my life. They’re meant to come into your life. I will be a Hospice volunteer for as I long as I can.”