When Melanie popped into her local Co-op she had no idea that a chance meeting with two charity collectors would lead to much greater things.
When Melanie saw a couple collecting outside her local supermarket, she did what most of us do - put a few coins in. But as Melanie got chatting to them and learned more about MND and it's devastating effects, she become inspired by the commitment of the volunteers and decided to find out more about the Association and how she could get involved.
Melanie was so affected by what she heard during that chance conversation that she decided to find out more. Back at home she searched the internet, found the Association's website, got in touch and asked if there was any way she could help as a volunteer. "I spoke to a lovely woman on the telephone who emailed me lots of information. I downloaded that and read it all through and decided that I would like to train as an Association Visitor" recalls Melanie.
Melanie met up with an existing AV, Chris. "Chris gave me much more information, and is so enthusiastic about helping people living with MND, that I felt more than ever that I would like to be an AV."
Melanie started her training to become an AV in September 2010 and found the training really helpful. "It was interesting to learn about he medical side of things and the fact that MND affects people in so many different ways. I'm quite a sociable person so enjoy meeting new people."
So how does Melanie manage to fit volunteering into an already busy family life? "I think it's quite manageable. Keeping in touch with people can be done in so many ways these days - phone and email as well as visits. It has added a new dimension to my life and it is good to think I might make a difference, however tiny, to somebody."
