Get to know our volunteers this Volunteers’ Week!
It’s Volunteers’ Week!
We’re continuing to spotlight some of our wonderful volunteers and say a big thank you to them.
Our volunteers help us in many different ways from attending cheque presentations, providing talks, cheering you on at the Kiltwalk and running events cheer points and helping around in the office. Our volunteers are invaluable to us and we want to give them the spotlight this week. We hear from seven of our volunteers and their stories on volunteering with Prostate Scotland.
Sarah Whalen, Fundraising Events Volunteer
Tell us your first name and your volunteer role.
My name is Sarah Whalen, and I am a volunteer for Prostate Scotland.
What Charity/Organisation/Group do you volunteer with?
Prostate Scotland
How long have you been volunteering with them?
I have been volunteering with Prostate Scotland since 2009.
Why did you decide to begin volunteering?
I decided to begin volunteering after my Dad was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2009. This personal connection motivated me to get involved and make a difference.
What have you enjoyed most about your time volunteering?
I have most enjoyed the variety of meeting lots of different people and taking part in many different events. Each experience brings new connections and opportunities to raise awareness about prostate cancer.
What benefits have you experienced personally?
I have experienced a tremendous feel-good factor because I know I am helping people and contributing to a worthwhile cause. Volunteering has given me a sense of purpose and fulfilment that extends beyond my everyday life.
Do you have any stories you could share about your time volunteering?
I once went to collect a cheque on behalf of Prostate Scotland at the Galleon Sports Centre in Kilmarnock from an ice hockey team. I had to go out onto the ice rink to collect the cheque and take part in a photo opportunity. I was very reluctant as I had never ice-skated before, let alone walked on an ice rink in just my trainers! After gathering enough courage, I walked out onto the ice wearing only my trainers to collect the cheque and participate in the photo. It was terrifying but exhilarating, and I’ll never forget the experience.
Would you recommend volunteering (with your organisation or generally) to others?
Yes, I would definitely recommend volunteering. It has many positive benefits. Firstly, you are creating awareness of important issues—in my case, prostate cancer among men. Secondly, you’re promoting the work of valuable organisations like Prostate Scotland, which helps raise much-needed funds for vital research and support services.
What would you say to anyone who is thinking about volunteering?
I would highly recommend volunteering as it is a worthwhile thing to do. Not only are you helping a charity achieve its mission, but you’re also developing new skills, meeting new people, and making a tangible difference in your community.
Gerry Gallacher, Fundraising Events Volunteer
Tell us your first name and your volunteer role.
My name is Gerry Gallacher, and I volunteer for Prostate Scotland.
What Charity/Organisation/Group do you volunteer with?
Prostate Scotland
How long have you been volunteering with them?
I have been volunteering with Prostate Scotland since 2009.
Why did you decide to begin volunteering?
I got involved with Prostate Scotland because my partner’s dad, Mike, had prostate cancer. He was successfully treated with surgery, receiving a prostatectomy that removed his prostate and left him cancer-free. Mike only went to get his prostate checked after speaking to a member of the Prostate Scotland team at a supermarket awareness stall. It was complete luck that he met the Prostate Scotland team—without that chance encounter, the outlook would not have been good.
What have you enjoyed most about your time volunteering?
I have enjoyed meeting all of the members of the public at the various events such as the Edinburgh Marathon, Over 50 Show, Men’s 10K Glasgow, The Kiltwalk, and many more events we have attended. I really enjoy speaking to the public and the engagement part of volunteering for Prostate Scotland which has been extremely enjoyable as I am a people person. It’s just great to know you’re helping people.
What benefits have you experienced personally?
I have personally benefited from volunteering, as it has enhanced my communication and interpersonal skills. While I interact with people regularly in my professional life, volunteering with Prostate Scotland has given me the opportunity to engage with the public in a different and meaningful way. I’ve developed greater empathy and patience through these interactions, and it’s rewarding to use these skills to help raise awareness about such an important health issue.
Do you have any stories you could share about your time volunteering?
I have several memorable experiences from my time volunteering with Prostate Scotland. One highlight was carrying the Queen’s Commonwealth Baton in 2014 for Prostate Scotland as part of the Commonwealth Games. Another special memory was when Sarah Jane and I were filmed and were part of a short video highlighting the fundraising for Prostate Scotland at the Beacon Arts Centre in Greenock. We did some running for the film, which had a Chariots of Fire feeling to it. The only downside was I had been to the dentist the day before and I had a swollen lip that affected my good looks!
I was also invited to speak at the press launch of the Men’s Health Forum Scotland 10K in Glasgow in 2012 and was part of a question and answer panel alongside Scottish Rugby legend Scott Hastings. I felt confident and proud to share my father-in-law Mike’s story of surviving prostate cancer thanks to early detection. I produced a 10-week blog with training advice and plans for runners participating in the event. The story was featured in several newspapers, including the Paisley Daily Express, Renfrewshire Gazette, and the Evening Times. It was incredibly rewarding to know that by sharing our family’s experience and providing training guidance, we might encourage other men to seek early screening and participate in health-focused events.
Would you recommend volunteering (with your organisation or generally) to others?
Yes, volunteering for Prostate Scotland is definitely a worthwhile thing to do as, through your actions, you could potentially be saving someone’s life. You may not realise it, but by providing information, you could make someone take that important step to go and get checked. The awareness we raise has real, tangible impacts on people’s health outcomes.
What would you say to anyone who is thinking about volunteering?
Don’t hesitate to start volunteering – it’s beneficial for everyone involved. There’s always something to learn or some personal development to be gained from volunteering. Beyond helping the cause, you’ll develop new skills, meet inspiring people, and gain fresh perspectives. The time you give comes back to you unexpectedly through the connections you make and the satisfaction of knowing you’re making a real difference in people’s lives.
Anything else you’d like to add?
I enjoy volunteering with Prostate Scotland so much that if a full-time vacancy arose for awareness sessions and public engagement duties, I would happily take on that role. It’s definitely a great experience helping people and spreading awareness about such an important health issue. The satisfaction that comes from knowing you might be helping save lives through education and early detection makes all the time and effort worthwhile.
John Malcolm, Prostate Champion
How long have you been volunteering with Prostate Scotland?
2 years.
Why did you decide to begin volunteering?
Through my work with the Grand Lodge of Scotland. Previously, I was a fundraiser for Prostate Cancer UK and a realisation that I was fortunate to be treated early and wanted to give something back.
What have you enjoyed most about your time volunteering?
Sharing the common goal with so many like-minded individuals.
What benefits have you experienced personally?
Greater knowledge and understanding of prostate disease
Do you have any stories you could share about your time volunteering?
Satisfaction with setting up an information hub at my golf club. Targeted men of the higher-risk age group. No talks but plenty of leaflets and a Prostate Scotland banner at the first tee. Since December, four men who had picked up info have sought medical help. Two with prostate disease and two with prostate cancer. That’s only what we know because they shared their experience. Talks are important, but so is the ‘silent approach’ – simply making the info available and directing it at higher-risk groups.
Would you recommend volunteering to others?
Yes, I would, but be aware that it does take commitment. It is not a role for anyone wanting to use the title to boost their CV.
Interested in volunteering with us? Find out more on how to volunteer here.