From heart attack to volunteering – how one patient said thank you

Paul Jackson, 73, from Northampton, was inspired to become a volunteer at Northampton General Hospital after having a heart attack in October 2023.

He has now been a hospital volunteer for two years and is loving the satisfaction he gets from helping others.

He said: “I was playing golf when my arms went very heavy. It was very strange! My friends were concerned and insisted I went to hospital. Thank goodness they did, as a trip to A&E confirmed I had had a heart attack.

“The team at NGH were amazing. The investigations were done beautifully by very kind and gentle professionals who were always smiling. It was determined I needed a triple bypass, and I was transferred to the specialist adult cardiac centre at Harefield Hospital, London, for open heart surgery.

“After all the wonderful care and support I received from start to finish, I wanted to say thank you.

“I started volunteering as a runner, supporting medical staff by collecting samples from wards and dropping them off at pathology. Since then, I have served drinks to doctors and nurses – they can’t get enough of hot chocolate! – and now I drive the outdoor buggy.

“Giving your time to help others is so wonderful. You are appreciated by others, it gets you out of yourself, it gets you out of the house and it gives a nice structure to your life. It gives you a sense of purpose so, if you’re feeling a bit lost and don’t know what to do with your time, volunteer!

“It did me the world of good. You really feel part of a wonderful family – not only the volunteer family – but part of a community of doctors, nurses, cleaners and porters who all come together to look after everybody who comes through the door.

“Wearing the red volunteering top means a lot in this hospital. You are always being thanked by the staff and the patients. It is a lovely feeling, and I never tire of it.”

Right now, we are looking for more compassionate people to join Paul as volunteers at our Northampton and Kettering General Hospitals.

Whether you're looking to give back, meet new people, gain experience or simply make a difference to your local community, there's a role for you.

Kettering link: Kettering General Hospital Jobs | Kettering General Hospital NHS

Northampton link: Job Board

Applications close on Monday 24 August 2026.