During Volunteers’ Week this June, we were proud to celebrate the incredible individuals and groups who generously give their time to support Milton Keynes Hospital Charity.
From enhancing our outdoor spaces, to supporting patients and families during the most difficult moments, to raising vital funds for our hospital – our volunteers make a meaningful difference every single day.
Fundraising Volunteers
Our dedicated fundraising volunteers play a vital role in raising funds, engaging the community, and championing our charity’s work. From organising events and collections to inspiring others to get involved, their passion and commitment help us fund projects that enhance patient care across the hospital. Occasionally, our fundraising volunteers may also dress up as our charity mascot Leo the Lion – bringing smiles to supporters, patients and families.
Butterfly Volunteers
Our Butterfly Volunteers provide compassionate, dignified support to patients and families during the last days and hours of life. Specially trained, they offer comfort, companionship and a calm presence at some of life’s most difficult moments – ensuring that no one has to face the end of life alone.
Their support can take many forms. It may be sitting quietly with a patient, offering a listening ear to loved ones, or giving families a moment of respite. Sometimes, it’s the smallest acts of kindness that make the greatest difference – holding a hand, playing a patient’s favourite music, or simply being there when it matters most.
Families often speak about the incredible impact this care has. One family shared:
I just wanted to pass on mine and my family’s heartfelt thank you to the Butterfly Volunteers who supported us and my father during his end-of-life care. The teddy and blanket that were delivered to him have brought us so much comfort since losing him.
The work you do is phenomenal and so appreciated. The gentle and sympathetic way we were treated was incredible.
As part of their support, Butterfly Volunteers also provide thoughtful care packages, including essential items, as well as handmade blankets and memory bears that families can keep as lasting mementos of their loved ones.
The service, managed by our Butterfly Volunteer Co-ordinator Lauren, has grown significantly since launching in 2023. With a team of 19 volunteers, they have already made over 1,130 visits to patients and loved ones, with more than 500 visits in 2026 alone – a testament to both the need for and the value of this compassionate service.
Many of the items used by the Butterfly Volunteers are funded through donations to Milton Keynes Hospital Charity, meaning that every gift helps ensure this vital support can continue.
We are incredibly proud of our Butterfly Volunteers and deeply grateful for the kindness, empathy and comfort they bring to patients and families every day.
Our Gardening & Litter Picking Volunteers
We are hugely grateful to our fantastic corporate and community volunteer teams who help keep Milton Keynes University Hospital’s outdoor spaces welcoming, safe, and enjoyable for everyone.
Through gardening, weeding, planting and litter picking, these teams play an important role in creating a calm and uplifting environment for patients, visitors and staff alike. Their hard work helps transform green spaces into areas that support wellbeing and recovery.
Whether it’s a one-off volunteering day or ongoing support, their contribution leaves a lasting impact across the hospital grounds.
Get Involved
If you’ve been inspired by the incredible work of our volunteers and would like to make a difference, we would love to hear from you. Whether you can offer your time, skills or enthusiasm, there are so many ways to get involved and support patients, families and staff at Milton Keynes University Hospital. To find out more about volunteering opportunities, please get in touch with our team today – we’d be delighted to welcome you to our community.
