Lewis Paget, from Marchwood near the New Forest, was just 17 when he was diagnosed with leukaemia. Now eight years post-treatment, he shares how his experience as a young cancer patient at UHS inspired him to return — this time as a hospital volunteer.

What motivated you to volunteer at UHS?

I spent four months as an inpatient on the Teenage and Young Adult (TYA) cancer ward in 2016. I had all my treatment here in Southampton and witnessed the NHS at its finest. I genuinely believe that if I’d been in almost any other country, I wouldn’t be here — the NHS is incredible and doesn’t get the credit or respect it deserves.

That experience gave me a deep connection to the hospital, and after I recovered, I always wanted to give something back. Volunteering on the cancer wards felt like the right thing to do.

What were you doing before volunteering?

After finishing treatment and my stem cell transplant, I went back to my education. I eventually completed my A levels, then studied microbiology at undergraduate level and went on to do a research master’s in biomedicine. My goal was to work in hospital research labs.

I applied for lots of jobs, especially at UHS, but kept getting rejections — mostly due to lack of experience. It was quite demoralising, so when I saw the volunteer opportunity on social media, I thought: why not? It gave me something to focus on.

How did the experience help you personally and professionally?

Volunteering helped in more ways than I imagined. It kept me active, gave me purpose again — and actually helped me get a job. Not long after I started, I secured a part-time admin role in one of the hospital departments. So, for a while, I was both a volunteer and an employee.

It also gave me a much better understanding of how the hospital works — it’s a logistical masterpiece. I saw how all the moving parts come together, and got to work with so many lovely, dedicated people.

What kinds of things did your volunteer role involve?

I did everything from answering phones and taking messages to running errands between departments. Sometimes I’d help collect patients after surgery and bring them back to the ward. I delivered lunches, picked up items from the shop for patients, and generally helped keep things moving.

It was a varied role — I loved being on the wards and built-up great camaraderie with the nurses and teams I supported. They always made me feel appreciated and part of the team.

What are you doing now?

My admin contract ended in January, and I’ve since started a full-time role working in research — still in admin, but finally in the part of the hospital I wanted to be in. My goal is still to move into the research labs and use my degree more directly.

I do really miss the volunteering, though. I miss being out and about on the wards and the energy of the environment.

What would you say to someone considering hospital volunteering?

If you're interested in working in healthcare, volunteering is the perfect place to start. It shows you’re willing to get out there and do something, gives you loads of transferable skills, and lets you experience a high-paced, high-impact work environment.

If you’re unsure of your next steps — especially if you're just out of school or Uni — volunteering at UHS is such a rewarding way to spend your time.

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Interested in volunteering at UHS? Simply visit our volunteers page for more information about the roles we have available.

Giving Back to the NHS That Saved Him: Lewis Paget’s Story of Volunteering at UHS