“Whether you have family or close friends going through cancer, you really just want to get alongside them, sometimes you are walking with them, sometimes you are carrying them. You just want to do something and be that bit of support that they need.”
These are the thoughts of Macmillan Health and Wellbeing Support Worker Sally Irvine, a retired banker who volunteered at the Ulster Hospital Macmillan Cancer Unit before successfully getting a permanent job as a Macmillan Health and Wellbeing Support Worker in January 2024.
During her 40 year career in the bank, Sally, who’s from Ballygowan, explained how she was heavily involved in organising Macmillan fundraising coffee mornings in the branch. “When I left the bank, I decided that I wanted to give something back, so I decided to volunteer.”
Sally continued, “When I retired, I got in contact with the Macmillan Unit at the Ulster Hospital and the staff offered me some opportunities within the Unit as well as the Cancer Centre at the City Hospital. I love people and the fact that I am able to just talk and give them a little bit of help or support.”
Sally went from her volunteering role, to a Health and Wellbeing Support Worker after a position within the Unit became available. “I thought, well, ‘why not?’ I was really supported and encouraged by the team at the Unit and I just put my hat in the ring, went ahead, applied and was successful. I have been here since January last year and I am just loving it.”
“I know I am in the right place, I know where I am meant to be, I know this is what I am meant to be doing, I am just loving it and it has given me a whole new lease of life.” said Sally.
When asked what she enjoys most about the role, Sally replied, “It is the opportunity of being alongside a patient. Maybe that person is in despair, maybe they are without hope, but by the end of our conversation, either by phone or face-to-face, you think you have made a difference and you have helped them along the way. That is a privilege. I find myself wanting to be strong for that person.”
To anyone who may be thinking of offering their time and compassion to the Macmillan Cancer Unit, Sally said, “Just do it, it is as simple as that. It is the best thing for you. You have no idea what it will lead to and you have no idea of how it will improve your own mental and physical well-being.
“What more could you ask for in a job?”
