Mike Thomas' Interview Summary

Mike was born in 1945 and got involved with Willen in 1990 as a volunteer, initially delivering goods between the Willen shops, and then in a permanent fundraising position which was aiming to raise £1,000,000 for a new extension. This would take the hospice from 10 to 25 beds together with a new day centre. Mike’s role was to manage this project.  The extension was opened by the Duchess of Kent in 1994 with Mike being presented to her. Mike managed to secure two very large donations of which he is extremely proud. He also managed The Sunflower appeal and the `Lights of Love’ where relatives could sponsor a light in memory of a loved one. He was also involved in the Songs of Praise edition which filmed at Willen. Mike was made redundant from his role in 1997 when the Hospice was forced to make cutbacks. He had various other jobs until his retirement when he was 65 at which point he rejoined Willen as a volunteer. Mike considers Willen a very special place.