At QEHB Charity we know we would be lost without our fantastic volunteers who give up their time to help support our events, atrium stands, bucket collections and more. Recently, we caught up with Roger Raybould; Grandfather, aerobatics pilot and long-term QEHB Charity volunteer.

How long have you been a QEHB Charity volunteer?
I have volunteered for QEHB Charity for around five years now. I’m also a welcomer for the voluntary services at the hospital, which I really enjoy.

What drew you to volunteering at QEHB Charity?
Sadly my wife passed away six years ago. We spent our lives together and were married for 44 years. After she died I decided to put my time to good use and give something back to the staff who cared so well for her. Whilst I am fit and able, I want to help improve care at the hospital by supporting the charity in whatever way I can.

What do you love most about volunteering?
It’s definitely the ‘feel-good-factor’! Being able to help people is what makes it all worth it. I’ve met some wonderful people along the way, and I’ve even had two marriage proposals! People like to be met with a happy attitude and I think my whacky sense of humour really helps get the conversation going.

What has been your favourite QEHB Charity event so far?
My favourite event that I’ve volunteered at definitely has to be the Birmingham half marathon. I was helping out at the charity stand a few years ago but I couldn’t cross the road to get to the other volunteers. I ended up joining in the half marathon, running up the road for about quarter of a mile and then crossing over and running back down to meet the guys at the charity stand! I was thrilled to be able to say I took part in the half marathon!

What do you do in your spare time?
I am lucky enough to have been blessed with two beautiful grand-daughters and two lovely grandsons, so I spend a lot of time with them. I also enjoy badminton and am now a level 1 coach at a club in Bromsgrove. Two years ago I also began taking weekly art classes at the MAC (Midlands Art Centre) Birmingham, which I really enjoy. I’m now a commercial artist having sold one of my paintings for 50p!

What is your dream holiday destination?
I’d love to take my family somewhere warm with gorgeous scenery. We could swim with dolphins, explore the area and take part in loads of different activities.

What is your favourite book?
I love ‘The Count of Monte Cristo’ by Alexandre Dumas.

Do you have a favourite film?
Shawshank Redemption is incredible; I could watch it over and over again!

What would it surprise people to know about you?
I think it would surprise people to know just how varied my life has been. For example, not many people know how much I love to take part in extreme sports. I love skiing! Once, as a beginner on a trip in France, I got caught in a snow storm and accidentally skied down a black run meant for professionals! Four years ago when I was 69, I also piloted a WW2 bi-plane doing all sorts of aerobatics, which was great fun!

What would you do if you won the lottery?
First and foremost I would look after my family. If it was a big win, I’d donate a large percentage to QEHB Charity, because I think it is a great local cause that is worth everyone’s support. The hospital is a fantastic facility and the staff really go the extra mile to give patients the best possible care. The charity goes that one step further by providing those added extras, like pizza nights for teenagers with cancer and slippers for patients in elderly care, that make all the difference.

What have you learnt from volunteering at QEHB Charity?
So much! Volunteering at QEHB Charity has given me the opportunity to meet so many lovely people. It’s given me the chance to get out there and embrace events, experience new things and positively impact on people from all walks of life. Volunteering has definitely added to my quality of life, and I can go home satisfied that I’ve made the best use of my time.

What would you say to anyone who is thinking about becoming a QEHB Charity volunteer?
Do it! You won’t look back. I lost the love of my life and found myself in limbo. I needed to focus on something and motivate myself to make the most of the life I had been given. QEHB Charity gave me that motivation and gave me back my self-esteem. Volunteering for QEHB Charity teaches you so much about yourself and offers you the chance to experience new challenges and meet new people, all whilst helping a local cause that improves the lives of real people. I would encourage everyone to try it; you could find it very rewarding.

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