From preserving history to providing first aid at national sporting events, our team at DTM Legal is involved in a wide range of volunteering. It is a pleasure for us to highlight the great work they do outside of the office. This time, we’re shining the spotlight on Richard Thomas, Head of Business Recovery, Trusts and Estates, and Contentious Probate, for his role as a Trustee at Nightingale House Hospice in Wrexham.
Giving Back to His Roots
Richard’s connection to Nightingale House Hospice is both professional and personal. Born in Wrexham, he wanted to give something back to the community where he and his family originated from.
“Nightingale House Hospice provides amazing services to the community and I am from Wrexham originally, so it was a perfect fit for me,” Richard says.
Since joining as a Trustee over three years ago, he has played an active role in helping to guide the Hospice’s strategic direction, attending Board meetings and subcommittee meetings, and offering support where he can. Richard also provides pro bono legal work to the Hospice. On average, this work amounts to around two days a month.
Why It Matters
For Richard, the most rewarding part of volunteering is knowing that his input, however small, supports the provision of high-quality care to people in desperate need, and to their families.
“Seeing the lengths the Hospice and its staff go to, and hearing the testimonials of people who have benefitted from its services, makes it clear to me that these services are both needed and deeply valued.”
While the work itself is memorable as a whole, what has truly struck Richard is how his perception of hospices has changed.
“I have learnt that my ignorant belief that hospices are just places where people die of cancer couldn’t be further from the reality. They provide care for a wide range of life-limiting illnesses, and not just near end-of-life, but much earlier too, improving quality of life for people sadly suffering from such illnesses”
Lessons in Volunteering
Richard describes his volunteering experience in three words: Rewarding, worthwhile, enlightening.
His advice for anyone considering volunteering?
“Just go for it, you won’t look back. Think of something that you care about and in a location you have a connection to – it will be that much more rewarding for you whilst being of great benefit to those you are helping.”
Get Involved
There are many ways to support Nightingale House Hospice, from joining the Hospice lottery, to taking part in their annual fundraising challenges, or donating directly. You can even create your own challenge and raise funds through a JustGiving page.
Nightingale House Hospice
– Regular Giving: nightingalehouse.co.uk/regular-giving
– Fundraising & Challenges: https://www.justgiving.com/charity/nightingalehh
