Courtney Thomson has been a volunteer at the Saint Francis Hospice Fashion shop in Hornchurch for six years and she’s well-known for her big smile and her dance moves!

She loves music and is a huge Ed Sheeran fan –and she has even got customers dancing as they shop.

“We always have music on in the shop and I love a little dance,” said Courtney.

Courtney has learning disabilities and dyspraxia and thanks to her positive nature and determination, along with the support of her team, she can take on any task in the shop and looks forward to volunteering twice a week.

“I have learned so many skills since I started volunteering,” said Courtney.

“I can do everything at the shop, and I really enjoy interacting with customers when I’m on the till.

“I love our team – we all get along so well.”

Last year Courtney was presented with a Long Service Award to celebrate her fifth year of giving the gift of her time.

“I feel really proud of what I have achieved,” said Courtney.

“It’s been so good for my confidence. I don’t like to be bored and by volunteering I am able to give something back to the community.”

Bernie Lebbal, the shop’s Retail Manager said Courtney is a very valuable member of the team.

She added, “Courtney is our star – She brightens up our day.

“She is always smiling and willing to help. Even on her days off she will offer to come in if she knows we need help.

“She is so popular with the customers, and they will often ask after her if she isn’t here.”
Her mum Sue Shine added, “I’m so grateful to all the staff who have been there from the start, from the manager to the rag man, to help Courtney.

“They have made her grow in confidence and as a person and to feel that she belongs. As a mum, all you want for your child is to be accepted and embraced by everyone she works with.”

If you have a few hours to spare every week and would like the opportunity to meet new people, make friends and gain new skills, join our retail team. To find out more visit sfh.org.uk/volunteering-roles/retail

Saint Francis Hospice is a registered charity that employs 150 nurses, doctors and specialist healthcare staff who are supported by 800 volunteers. Together they provide care and help to more than 4,000 people across the boroughs of Havering, Barking & Dagenham, Redbridge and Brentwood. Saint Francis Hospice provides all of its services free of charge to support patients from our local community with any life-limiting illness including cancer, heart, lung or motor neurone disease. For more information, please visit www.sfh.org.uk