Hospice volunteer goes back to school – at 74
Nov 19, 2010
A sprightly volunteer at Birmingham St Mary’s Hospice is proving age is no barrier to self advancement after enrolling on a full-time degree course – at 74 years old.
While many are worrying over recent news of having to work until 66, volunteer Complementary Therapist Etheline Rose is knuckling down to some serious studying at the University of Wolverhampton.
Etheline, of Acocks Green, Birmingham, is studying a BA (Hons) Social Care and Health Studies at the University’s School of Health of Wellbeing.
When the retired nurse graduates, at the age of 77, she hopes to put her new found skills and knowledge to good use caring for people with life-limiting illnesses from Birmingham and Sandwell at the Hospice in Selly Park.
“I’ve already started the course and I’m getting so much out of it.” Etheline said, adding: “It’s great that we have the opportunity to improve ourselves throughout our lives and I think seizing opportunities like this help to keep us going and remain active. I certainly don’t feel like a 74-year-old.”
Etheline, a grandmother of three, added: “My role at the Hospice involves administering complementary therapy and aromatherapy to people with terminal illness. These kinds of treatment make a big difference, as they offer relaxation and stress and pain relief. I personally get a lot out of giving the treatment too, seeing the positive effect it has on people. Patients have described having a massage as having a holiday from cancer or pain.”
Voluntary Services Manager Sharon Harkin said Etheline was an example to us all. “She truly is an inspirational woman, like so many of our volunteers who give up their time and skills to help those in need. We’re glad to have been able to help Etheline realise an ambition and I’m sure it will have a positive impact on the people she cares for at Birmingham St Mary’s.”
Dean of the School of Health and Wellbeing at the University, Professor Linda Lang, said: “The School of Health and Wellbeing has always regarded learning as a life-long journey. Etheline is an inspiration and an example of what can be achieved at any age.”
Since its launch in 1979, Birmingham St Mary’s Hospice has cared for tens of thousands of people with life-limiting illnesses, such as cancer, motor neurone disease and MS.
With around 52 percent of the Hospice’s budget reliant on public goodwill, community fundraising is crucial to ensuring its highly specialised services can continue to be offered to the people of Birmingham and Sandwell.
In addition to a 25-bed Inpatient Unit, Birmingham St Mary’s boasts a 20-place Day Hospice and provides community care to people who wish to stay in their own homes.
The Hospice also supports relatives with bereavement preparation, physiotherapy tuition and counselling in addition to many other services.
Annual running costs stand at £6.3 million, with around £1 million being raised in the Hospice’s shops and £2.7 million via fundraising. The remainder comes from the NHS.
Birmingham St Mary’s nurses, often referred to by patients and relatives as ‘angels’, are renowned for going that extra mile to ensure people with terminal illnesses enjoy the best possible quality of life.
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