THROUGHOUT the first week of June, Winston’s Wish, the UK’s leading childhood bereavement charity, will be celebrating the incredible contribution made by its dedicated teams of volunteers in Gloucestershire.

The charity’s Gloucestershire base will be embracing Volunteers’ Week which runs June 1-7, by recognising its dedicated group of volunteers.

People from all walks of life volunteer for Winston’s Wish and Catherine Ind, acting Chief Executive at Winston’s Wish, expressed her thanks to the volunteering team.

“We are extremely grateful to our fantastic team of committed volunteers who continually give us their time, enthusiasm and expertise to support the essential work of Winston’s Wish,” she said.

“Volunteers are an integral part of our charity and enable us to support even more bereaved children who need our therapeutic support at such a difficult time”.

Winston’s Wish helps children rebuild their lives after the death of a parent or sibling, enabling them to face the future with confidence and hope.

Each year, the charity supports over 30,000 bereaved children and young people through an array of dedicated services that require volunteers.

One such Gloucestershire-based volunteer who was inspired to help Winston’s Wish is Liz Oldfield.

She said: "Winston's Wish fills a gaping hole in the care given to bereaved children, which I experienced as a child, 40-odd years ago.

“It is a joy for me to be able to contribute something positive now and it has even helped me come to terms with my own loss, for which I am thankful all the time.”

Volunteers’ Week 2015 plays a huge part in raising the profile of England’s 22 million volunteers, encouraging others to get involved. For anyone interested in volunteering with Winston’s Wish, email volunteers@winstonswish.org.uk or call 01242 515157.