From Volunteer to Support Line Nurse: My Tenovus Cancer Care Journey

When I retired from nursing in July 2024 after more than 40 years, I thought I was closing one chapter of my career. I never imagined that just a few months later, I'd begin an exciting new one with Tenovus Cancer Care.

In December 2024, I signed up to volunteer at the Jingle Bell Run at the National Botanic Garden of Wales. It was only meant to be a one-off event, handing out medals at the finish line. Despite the torrential rain and being just two weeks before Christmas, I was struck by the incredible enthusiasm, warmth and sense of community. Everyone, volunteers, staff and even their families gave the day their all, and I was made to feel part of the Tenovus Cancer Care family from the moment I arrived… I was hooked.

Soon afterwards, I became a Champion our Cause Volunteer, attending wellbeing events and community engagements, setting up information stands and helping to raise awareness of the support Tenovus Cancer Care offers to people living with cancer.

One of the most rewarding aspects of volunteering has been meeting people affected by cancer and hearing their stories. Throughout my nursing career, I worked in intensive care, I trained in London and for many years worked at Singleton Hospital and I have taught at Morriston, supporting patients when they were often at their most vulnerable. Volunteering gave me a completely different perspective, allowing me to meet people in their own communities, hear how they had adapted to their diagnosis, navigated treatment and continued to live fulfilling lives.

When a Support Line Nurse vacancy became available, one of my fellow volunteers encouraged me to apply. Thanks to that encouragement, I was delighted to be offered a one-year contract with Tenovus Cancer Care.

Just two weeks into my new role, the same volunteer friend invited me to speak at one of their fundraising coffee mornings—this time not only as a volunteer, but also as a Support Line Nurse. It was a full-circle moment.

Almost exactly a year after volunteering at my first Tenovus Cancer Care event, I had become part of the organisation in a completely new way.

Today, my two roles have come together. I continue to value volunteering while also supporting people through my work as a Support Line Nurse. It's a privilege to contribute to Tenovus Cancer Care in both capacities, and I'm grateful that what started as a single rainy day of volunteering has led me to a new and rewarding chapter.

By Jayne Shevlin, Support Line Nurse and Champion our Cause Volunteer.