Ballinrobe’s Geraldine and Peadar have been volunteering in the Hospice Shop since it opened

Ballinrobe’s Hospice Shop must really be a very special place to work. We say this beacuse both Geraldine May and Peadar Higgins have been volunteering in the store since the day it opened, almost 12 years ago. For Geraldine and Peadar, the amazing work being done by Mayo Roscommon Hospice is very close to their hearts. Plus, the social aspect of working in the shop ensures they keep coming back for more.

Geraldine May

In truth, Geraldine has a long association with the Foundation. In addition to her history of volunteering with Mayo Roscommon Hospice, she has been involved with the Foundation since its establishment in 1992. She also served as Chairperson for a period. On a local level, she was instrumental in setting up the Mayo Roscommon Hospice Foundation Support Group in Ballinrobe and is still a very active member.

Working in the Hospice Shop since it opened in November 2012, Geraldine loves volunteering and finds it incredibly rewarding. “Only this week, I met a lady who had spent two weeks in the Mayo Hospice and is now at home and in a much better place. The lady told me that she is no longer afraid to die since being in the Hospice,” she said. “She’s living her life without fear of dying.”

“Hearing this story and many other stories like it is what makes volunteering in the shop so rewarding. This gives me great satisfaction knowing that all the volunteering I have done over the years has made such a difference to people at the end of their days,” Geraldine explained.

The social side of volunteering is another great bonus, Geraldine enjoys interacting with new people. She loves the fun the Hospice team have while at work, and of course the cup of tea. Time flies in the store, much like in life, and Geraldine is looking forward to celebrating her 85th birthday in November.

Peader Higgins

Alongside Geraldine, Peader began volunteering when the shop first opened 12 years ago, and he finds it very fulfilling. “I give my time for free and this feels really good. I also love the social side of it,” he said. Sadly, Peader lost his wife to cancer some 17 years ago and of course, it was a very difficult time for him and his family. While trying to come to terms with his terrible loss, he also had to learn to do everything for himself. “I was a plumber by trade and often away from home. My wife looked after everything – the children, food shopping, the money, paying the bills, she did everything. I had no idea what to do with a bank card, but I had to learn,” he recalled.

Peader also experienced his own brush with illness, when he was diagnosed with prostate cancer a number of years ago. “I went to the doctor for a regular health check and the blood test showed that I had raised PSA levels. I ended up having surgery, followed by a course of radiation therapy,” he explained.

But according to Peadar, he was one of the lucky ones. “My advice to every man over 50 is to go for a health check every year. If I did not go for my annual check-up, I might not be here now,” he added. Like Geraldine, Peader is certainly active. At 82 years young, he is a big believer in keeping busy. “I think keeping yourself busy by volunteering, socialising, dancing and having a good laugh is the secret to living well in your older years,” he said with a smile. “I plan to continue volunteering for a long time yet.”