For over three years George Greegor has been a volunteer at Mercy Palliative Care.
His decision to become a volunteer came about through his own personal journey as a carer to his wife Gwyneth who was referred to Mercy Palliative Care in January 2005 with pulmonary fibrosis, an incurable lung disease.
Over the next five months George, along with his three children and extended family, cared for Gwyneth under the guidance of the palliative care team.
As George remarked, "For care of this type to be effective the family has to work as a team being supported by palliative care experts. We could not have done without Mercy Palliative Care. They played an unforgettable role in our lives. They have in one form or another been a part of our family."
It was following a group counselling session six weeks after his wife's passing that George thought of becoming a volunteer to help others who were going through the same experience. Following training in family care and bereavement support George began his service as a volunteer in 2007. Among his many roles George offers respite for carers who need time out to attend to personal matters or to simply catch up on some much needed rest. Other times he is there to simply provide emotional support.
"Many times I have comforted a member of the family who is going through grief in anticipation of the death of their loved one. I have received and given hugs to let them know they are not alone. They know my wife has died and that gives them the confidence to express their feelings."
The support and care offered by volunteers such as George play a critical role in the delivery of care first to patients at Mercy Palliative Care. From assisting with transport, offering respite care and bereavement support to representing Mercy Palliative Care at funerals, the dedication is invaluable.
For George being a volunteer is not only his way of giving back to the service, but is part of his own personal journey in embracing his grief.
"After nearly five years is my grief finished? No. It is a journey with no destination. I have learnt to live with it by building a new life which I am enjoying to the fullest."
If you are interested in becoming a volunteer at any of our Mercy Health facilities please contact the Mercy Health Foundation on 1300 0 MERCY (63729).
