Angela Rippon joins King’s volunteers to launch nationwide weekend of community action
15 May 2026 - Two community initiatives, The Big Help Out and The Big Lunch, are celebrating community volunteering and neighbourly action from 5 - 8 June 2026
Broadcaster and TV presenter Angela Rippon dropped in to lend a hand with the breakfast service on a ward for older patients at King’s College Hospital on Thursday 14 May, to highlight the benefits of volunteering.
Angela spent the morning serving meals to patients receiving care on the hospital’s Marjory Warren ward, and speaking to King’s volunteers about the different ways they support staff and patients.
There are over 1,800 volunteers currently working throughout hospitals at the Trust. Volunteer roles at King’s include befriending on our wards and in our outpatient clinics, acting as guides for patients and visitors, and providing pastoral care through our chaplaincy programme.
Angela Rippon CBE, said: “I’ve spent my career telling other people’s stories, but it’s the volunteers I’ve met along the way who’ve taught me the most — they’re busy, they’re every age from every walk of life, and they all say the same thing: giving their time makes them feel better. That’s the message: this isn’t about sacrifice, it’s about looking after yourself by looking after someone else. Get involved with The Big Help Out and The Big Lunch on 5-8 June — I promise you’ll feel the difference.”
One King’s volunteer who helped Angela with the breakfast service was Sandra O’Neill (pictured second from right). After Sandra’s husband passed away at King’s after a period of illness, she decided to become a volunteer on Marjory Warren Ward, the same ward where her husband died. Sandra gives up her time to support patients at mealtimes, as well as helping palliative care patients, many of whom are receiving end-of-life care. She said: “I often knit things for patients, like pink love hearts or Christmas decorations, to bring them colour and comfort on the ward, and for them to know that they’re cared about. I also bring things like essential oils, to bring calm and pampering.”
Sandra said: “It’s very rewarding, I’m a caring person. Being at King’s, with nurses I know so well, is a big comfort to me. It helps me feel connected to my husband.”
Patricia Mecinska, Assistant Director of Patient Experience at King’s College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, said: “Our work is supported by an incredible team of volunteers from all walks of life, who bring a wealth of skills, experience, passion and care, and help make our hospitals a little less daunting and a lot friendlier and happier for everyone.
“Many of our volunteers tell us how meaningful and rewarding they find their roles, and their support makes a real difference to how our patients’ experiences are shaped. It is wonderful for Angela Rippon to have the opportunity to meet a few of our dedicated volunteers, and to show her how crucial they are to Team King’s.”