Michael marks 20 years as a hospital volunteer

Wednesday 1 June 2016


Michael Goldman

A retired Selfridges retail manager is celebrating 20 years of volunteering at St Thomas’ Hospital.

Michael Goldman, 76, started volunteering at the Trust in the eye department in 1996. Michael, who now volunteers in the Knowledge and Information Centre, will be marking his milestone with other volunteers at a tea party being held during Volunteers Week (1-12 June).

Guy’s and St Thomas’ has more than 600 volunteers who give around 30,000 hours every year helping patients and visitors. Volunteers help with everything from directing patients and visitors around our hospitals, reading to children on wards and demonstrating visuals aids to patients in the Low Vision Clinic.

Michael says: "I came to St Thomas' when I was 16 to have my broken nose repaired. Despite the circumstances I had a wonderful experience and that memory has stayed with me.

“In those days you would spend a week in hospital and adults would be given a glass of sherry or Guinness before their evening meal. Of course things have changed now but the care provided is the same. That's why I volunteer.

“Having spent over 30 years at Selfridges I wanted to give something back to the local community. I have met so many people over the years. Volunteering at the Trust feels like being part of a family. It gives structure and purpose to my life and a reason to get up in the morning.”

Amanda Bryan, voluntary services lead, says: “Michael’s 20 years as a volunteer at the Trust is a fantastic achievement. Volunteers like Michael make an enormous contribution to the smooth running of our hospitals. That’s why we are holding a tea party to say thank you for their wonderful commitment.”

Find out more about volunteer vacancies at the Trust.

Last updated: March 2022

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