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Alan Hyde

For Alan Hyde, volunteering is much more than just passing the time. In August 1999 Alan underwent a successful liver transplant at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital. Six weeks later he was diagnosed with bowel cancer and underwent another successful operation, to remove part of his bowel.

It was when Alan received a letter through the door asking if he wanted to become involved in the Liver Patients Support Group that his volunteering work at University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust (UHB) began.

Alan said: “I knew after my operations that I wanted to give something back to the hospital that had looked after me so well. I wanted to offer support and guidance to transplant patients just like me.”

Alan originally set up his own website offering support and guidance to liver transplant patients throughout the nation and received regular emails asking for advice.

He brought this knowledge into his volunteering work and now runs the Liver Patients Support Group at UHB. The group meets every third Monday of the month, bringing together patients and staff.

Alan also arranges ward rounds on a Wednesday night for fellow volunteers to talk to transplant patients.

For Alan volunteering has given his confidence a massive boost and has seen him become involved with induction days where he talks to new recruits, passing on his valuable knowledge.

“There is nothing I wouldn’t do for this hospital. It is fantastic to come through what I have and I am delighted to be able to give something back.

“I get great satisfaction from meeting and helping people, and have picked up many new skills along the way.”