
'Angel' volunteer honoured for compassionate care in Glasgow
Steve Goody, 73, from Torrance, was named Volunteer of the Year at the East Dunbartonshire Voluntary Awards (EDVA) on June 5 after being nominated by Marie Curie.
The father-of-one began volunteering with the charity in 2022 as a companion volunteer, visiting people in their homes for a few hours each week.
Steve said: "I'm retired, so I've got time on my hands and the usual kind of thing that I guess everybody says but it's true – to put something back, to help others.
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"My wife died of cancer in 2015 and for a couple of nights she had a Marie Curie nurse just to give me a break because she was at home.
"She also spent four days in the Marie Curie Hospice, Glasgow, but for her, she wanted to die at home, and Marie Curie made that possible for her."
He said he finds the work "very fulfilling" and said he values the opportunity to make a difference during such a difficult time in others' lives.
Tracey Brown, community engagement and development manager at Marie Curie Scotland, said: "We were so proud to be able to nominate Steve for this award, as he's one of our most dedicated and committed volunteers.
"We had some lovely feedback from one family Steve supports, where he had been able to help their dad visit all his favourite places around Glasgow - something he struggled to do on his own but that was very important to him.
"The family has told us about the difference Steve has made as he has continued to visit their dad in the hospital.
"The gentleman's daughter has described Steve as being 'like an angel' who has come to support her dad and his family at a time that has been very difficult for them all and he's also been able to be there for her to listen and provide emotional support at a time that has been so hard for her.
"It's a pleasure to work with Steve, and we are so proud of the difference he makes as part of the companion team here in Glasgow."
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