“We get the gift of knowing we’ve made a difference.” Bill’s Volunteering Story

Bill Denholme is 76 and lives in Giffnock, near Glasgow. A retired teacher, he has been volunteering in various roles with Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland since 2008. 

With retirement on the horizon, Bill Denholme knew he wanted and needed something constructive to do with his spare time. 

He found it – and then some – as a volunteer with Chest Heart & Scotland. And for the last 17 years, Bill, 76, has lent a hand to the organisation in a variety of ways. 

First the former chemistry teacher put his driving skills to good use, driving participants to and from meetings. From there, he started attending the group meetings as a support volunteer for those recovering from stroke. 

Now, alongside that support role, he also takes part in a fortnightly health walk for stroke survivors. 

Bill, who lives in Giffnock, near Glasgow, said: “I get so much satisfaction about volunteering. It’s something I now wouldn’t do without. The great thing is there is a variety of things you can choose to do, and that keeps things fresh. 

“The walking aspect has developed a lot over the last few years, and it’s become a really important social outing for a lot of people. During the pandemic, meetings moved online, and while it was good for people still to have contact, the in-person meetings are so much better for all of us, volunteers and participants. 

“Being part of something like this gives you a great feeling of positivity. You can see when you’re helping someone, maybe someone who is feeling isolated and suddenly they’ve got company and are surrounded by people who know what they’re going through. 

“Volunteering is a gift really. We gift our time and our experience and knowledge, but we also get the gift of knowing we’ve made a difference.” 

Inspired? Find out more about volunteering opportunities with Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland.

Volunteer Opportunities