Lorraine and Elaine - “She’s not just a volunteer. She’s a friend too.”
Volunteer Lorraine Whiteway felt she had some free time once her son Ben, aged six, went to school. She has been volunteering with Home-Start for nearly two years. For the past ten months she has supported Elaine Boyce and her son 17 month old son Harrison, who has cystic fibrosis.
Elaine says,
“Being a parent is one of the hardest jobs in the world. Being a single parent and having to cope alone is tougher still. My son Harrison also has cystic fibrosis. I love having Lorraine come to visit and Harrison loves to see her. I was initially very sceptical about the whole thing as I wouldn't feel comfortable about a stranger coming and telling me what to do. But we get on great. She's not just a volunteer. She's a friend too.”
Lorraine says,
“I joined Home-Start so that I could do something worthwhile with my time and I get a lot of satisfaction from it. Elaine has gained some support from my visits and I can see a difference in her since I first met her. I have learnt a lot about cystic fibrosis from Elaine. I can cope with Harrison on my own while Elaine does work in the house or takes some time to herself. I have benefited personally from my involvement with Elaine and her family, gaining knowledge and information on Harrison’s condition.”
