• Name: Jill Hill
• Job title: Voluntary Services Manager
• Joined the team: 5 June 2023

How did you get into your role and come to work for Katharine House?

My husband and I are relocating from Lincoln to be in a more central part of the country, equidistant from our three children who are spread north, west, and south! My previous roles have been managing volunteers within the criminal justice system (Restorative Justice, Lincolnshire Police and the Witness Service), so although this is a different area geographically and professionally, it felt like a natural progression and a good fit. I’d like to say the relocating part had been plain sailing, but that would not be strictly true!!

What’s a typical day like?

So far, no day has been typical, and I imagine it will stay that way! The volunteers do an amazing job supporting every aspect of the hospice, on site and in the wider community, so meeting the volunteers and understanding their roles is my current focus.

How does it feel to work for the hospice?

From the moment I drive over the little bridge on the road up to the hospice, I feel a sense of serenity. It’s fantastic to be part of such an incredible team, and to be working to make a significant and positive difference to people’s lives. I am blown away by everyone’s welcome and the generosity and commitment of the volunteers.

What makes Katharine House so special?

Apart from the atmosphere and the beautiful gardens, it’s definitely the people. Whoever you meet, and in whatever capacity, you know that everyone is pulling in the same direction; the whole team has the same ethos and values. To coin a phrase, you know that everyone is singing from the same sheet.

Now for some quick-fire questions …

If I could go anywhere in the world, I’d go to: anywhere as long as it was in my camper and I didn’t have to get on an aeroplane.

My favourite dessert is: ice cream, I’m not fussy on flavour – literally any ice cream!

People are often surprised when I tell them: In 2020 I swam the English Channel as part of a six-person team to raise money for Aspire, a charity that supports people with spinal cord injuries. It took us just under 15 hours and I raised £5,000.

My favourite way to unwind is: open water swimming.

If I had one superpower, it would be: to be a mermaid, I could breathe underwater, talk to sea creatures, swim swiftly.

My favourite thing to eat is: anything vegetarian that someone else has made!

My favourite season is: definitely spring, everything is waking up.

If I was stranded on a desert island, I would want: a sofa, a coffee machine and a library.

Without doubt, the best animals are: capibaras, they can wallow in water and get all muddy, hang about with their families, eat and then sunbathe.

The best advice I’ve ever been given is: 'It too shall pass.'