Sue has a powerful story of once needing support herself to now providing support to others.
“In 2013 I had to leave my role in Management after being diagnosed with Menieres Disease. I was tired all the time, and my husband became my carer. I had lost my independence, I had depression and we eventually decided to sell everything and travel around Australia.”
Unfortunately Sue’s granddaughter was then diagnosed with a rare cancer. She came back early from her trip to support her family for the next 18 months of intense treatments, and cared for her other grandkids while this took place.
“Then after 18 months of caring for the kids, my granddaughter was finally in the clear which we were all so thankful about, and suddenly I had no purpose again. I used to cry because I didn’t know what to do with myself.”
While shopping at Church 4 Life Op Shop in Cardiff, Sue noticed a pamphlet about volunteering in the sorting team and decided to find out more. While visiting the sorting team she ran into a lady she had known for 30 years who encouraged her to join and she decided to give it a go.
“I love working here! I have a purpose again and I can focus on something other than cancer. Sorting through all the items is a type of therapy for me, I have found peace here.”
Sue started as a volunteer but ended up getting a supervisors role after working hard and clearly being passionate about her work. She now leads the sorting team, and works with different people everyday from all walks of life.
“I love what Church 4 Life Charities is about, I love interacting with people, getting to know them and building rapport. I like treating everyone with respect and bringing harmony to the workplace.”
Her nurturing personality shines through and makes her a safe person for people to be around and talk to. Sue is also very encouraging and supportive. She uses her previous management skills to run a team and organise her department.
“I want people to know that if they need to talk, that they have someone to talk to. I want them to feel valued and to know that this is a safe place to let their walls down. Sometimes all people need is a listening ear, they don’t need advice, they just need someone to listen and care. “
Sue loves that Church 4 Life Charities feels like a big kind family and that we offer prayer for anyone who would like it. She is a wonderful member of our team and we love seeing the positive change in her life since starting here.
