How music and volunteering created something special at Pendleside Hospice
As part of Volunteers' Week, we are celebrating the incredible people who give their time to support Pendleside Hospice by sharing some of their inspiring stories.
This is the story of Peter and the wonderful journey of ‘Free for All’.
Pendleside Hospice is honoured to welcome the band ‘Free for All’, who perform regularly as part of their Health, Wellbeing and Rehabilitation groups.
Their visits are always warmly received, not only because of the joy their music brings, but because their story holds a very special meaning within the hospice.
‘Free for All’ was founded by Peter, a volunteer whose connection to the hospice began long before the first note was played. Peter’s wife had been cared for in the Inpatients unit, after her passing, he chose to give back by volunteering as a driver.
During that time, a fellow volunteer discovered that Peter could sing and play the guitar, and encouraged him to speak with the Health, Wellbeing and rehabilitaion team.
Soon after, Peter was invited to attend one of the carer and patient groups. It was there that something special began to take shape.
In the group, Peter met Val, a carer who immediately noticed he needed another voice. She playfully took his guitar mid-session and began to sing alongside him. From that day forward, they became a duo and their voices blending naturally.
Over time, their small musical partnership began to grow. Val’s cousin Dianna joined them, followed by Peter’s current wife Joy, and then Geoff, a friend who shared their love of music.
What had once been a one-man act slowly and beautifully became a five-piece band. Not just a group of musicians, but a group of friends sharing the same love for the hospice.
Peter said: “I remember in one of the groups, a couple got up dancing like they were teenagers again and that’s why we love coming here. We probably enjoy performing more than they enjoy watching.”
Free for All is more than a band. Born from loss, it has become something full of life. A reminder that music can help carry us forward.
Stories like Peter's highlight the invaluable role volunteers play at Pendleside Hospice.
Whether they're driving patients to appointments, supporting families, helping in our shops, maintaining our gardens, assisting with administration or bringing comfort through activities such as music, volunteers are at the heart of everything we do. Their generosity, compassion and dedication help us provide vital care and support to our community every day.
If Peter's story has inspired you to get involved, we'd love to hear from you. We have a wide range of volunteering opportunities available across the Hospice, with flexible roles to suit different skills, interests and availability. Whatever role you choose, you'll be helping to make a real difference to local people when they need it most.
To find out more about becoming a volunteer at Pendleside Hospice, please email [email protected].