Hello, I’m Gaynor, and I’m the Volunteer Manager here at 2wish.
My journey with 2wish began back in 2018, when I came across a social media post from our CEO sharing her story. It stopped me in my tracks. I felt compelled to reach out, learn more, and see whether there was a way I could get involved — and I’m so glad I did.
As a volunteer, I gained far more than I ever expected, always in the very best ways. I met extraordinary families who continue to inspire me every single day. I spent countless hours out in the community, spreading the 2wish sparkle, meeting new people, and having fun. I connected with other volunteers who I am now fortunate enough to call friends. I found a community united by one shared purpose: to help and support those who need us most.
Now, as a proud member of the 2wish team, I’m passionate about helping others discover what it truly means to be part of this special community.
People choose to volunteer for so many different reasons. Perhaps, like me, you have a few hours to spare and want to use them in a meaningful way. Maybe you’re new to the area and hoping to make friends or explore new interests. You might have been supported by us or know someone who has. Or perhaps you’re newly retired and ready for a fresh challenge. Whatever your reason, there is a place for you here.
One of my aims in joining 2wish was to build a volunteer community where friendships can grow and be cherished. We spend a lot of time together — out in the community, at events, and in the office. And yes, sometimes we do step outside our comfort zones… it’s not every day you find yourself walking around town with our giant elephant mascot, Gorgeous George! But don’t just take my word for it. Keep scrolling to hear directly from our volunteers, and please take a look at our current roles — I’m sure one (or more!) will catch your eye. 🌟
Whether you can give an hour a day, a day a week, a week a month or volunteer flexibly around your commitments, that works perfectly for us. Whatever time you can give is truly valued. I would love to welcome you into our volunteer family.
Gaynor
Volunteering with 2wish has brought me so much joy. I love spending time with the fabulous volunteer team, we always end up having so much fun and I never leave a volunteering event without a smile on my face and a lovely sense of belonging. I’ve met so many wonderful people and 2wish families throughout the different events.
My favourite event was the Elephant Dip, but I really enjoy the welfare officer race days and also just going to the office for a cuppa (cake!) and some office-based work, there really is something for everyone to get involved with. Everyone just does what they can around other commitments, so there’s never any pressure.
Being able to give something back to a cause as important as 2wish means a lot to me personally too, as they continue to support my family after the sudden death of my beautiful son William. I’ve made some fabulous friends through volunteering, and I would encourage anyone to get involved, I’m sure you wouldn’t regret it!
Hi, my name is Fran Evans and I have been volunteering for 2Wish for about a year now.
Rhian’s story touched my heart and I knew that I wanted to support the charity any way I could and I’m so glad I did because the staff are the most dedicated and friendly team you could ever wish to meet!
My role is mainly administrative and I work with Gaynor to secure supermarket collections all over Wales, many of which I attend to raise much needed funds and spread awareness of the wonderful work 2Wish does.
I also go into the office occasionally to put up the Memory Boxes which are given to each bereaved family and, lately, the packs which are distributed to professionals under the ‘You Can’t Pour from an Empty Cup’ campaign.
Both of these activities mean that I get to meet and interact with other volunteers many of whom have been helped personally by the charity and who, like me, want to do whatever they can to help.
So, if you want to make a difference and meet lots of new lovely people then don’t hesitate to volunteer for 2wish.
Our charity volunteer ambassadors play a key role in raising awareness and support for 2wish through speaking and representing the charity in the community. They are passionate about our aims and objectives and highlighting the charities key messages.
Ambassadors help us by;
Generally volunteers are invited to become ambassadors and we could not do without their constant love, help and support.
Young Ambassadors are the next generation of leaders and fundraisers for 2wish. They often come with first hand experience about growing up through their most formative years, whilst also navigating they way through grief.
We’re so proud to have so many young people volunteering for 2wish, representing the charity in their schools, colleges and extra-curricular clubs.
There are so many ways in which you can help us at 2wish, as we are still largely self-funded!
We have volunteers who spend time at the office with us, helping with some administration tasks. Our star wall is very lovingly looked after by volunteers, and they also help us put together the precious memory boxes that are given to our families.
2wish is still largely funded and therefore we hold many events, which we could not do without our volunteers. Our events vary but are always fun and a great day out; Elephant walks and dips to walking, cycling, and running!
If you would like to join us, we will have a role that suits you!
2wish currently provide a team of trained volunteers (Welfare officers) to attend some major running events, to provide support to individual runners and their families in the case of an emergency.
Following the sudden death of two runners at the Cardiff Half Marathon in 2018, the charity was approached by Run4Wales and the idea of Welfare Officers was discussed. These officers, who have received training from us, attend the events representing 2wish and are on hand, placed at event control, to support in the event of an emergency.
Depending on the size of the Welfare team – officers are placed at ‘Event Information/Event Control’ and out on the course. They are linked by radio contact.
If a situation arises the team are to help find the runners relatives and if necessary, accompany them to the local hospital. They will remain with the family until they feel the time is right to leave.
In the event of a fatal incident – the welfare team at the hospital will take the contact details from the family (with consent) and ensure a memory box is offered.
Whilst we have had some serious incidents it is important to remember that is the exception rather than the rule and with this in mind we have changed the was the day runs quite a bit since we first started back in 2018.
We now take along our pop up shop, pots, buckets and sometimes even our Gorgeous George mascot in the hope that we are raising both pennies and awareness.
At almost all of the events you will find lots of wonderful runners for us here at 2wish and it is really great to cheer them along.
Whilst we are there first and foremost to support anyone who may need us, it is usually a really great day.
Take a look at the pics and if you are interested or would like any further information, please contact [email protected].
