What started as a simple way to keep busy during retirement has grown into a deeply rewarding experience for 72-year-old Colin Dutton, whose quiet dedication as a volunteer has brought comfort and companionship to countless end-of-life patients at Aintree University Hospital.
Colin first joined the Volunteer Team at Aintree, which is part of NHS University Hospitals of Liverpool Group, in 2018, dedicating one day a week to the hospital’s ward trolley service, selling a variety of snacks, drinks and newspapers to patients and visitors to raise funds for University Hospitals of Liverpool Charity. Over the years, his role diversified and he began supporting stroke patients in their speech therapy and helping outpatients and visitors find their way around the hospital site.
It was his late brother-in-law who first suggested that Colin, a retired meat industry district manager, should train as an end-of-life volunteer because of his love for talking to people. In 2020, Colin did just that and began providing support to patients who are in the later stages of end-of-life care.
“Unfortunately, a lot of our elderly patients don’t have family, or their relatives live some distance from the hospital meaning that they are without their loved ones when they pass away. The majority of the time, patients that I support are asleep, but I still talk and play music to them as I know hearing is the last remaining sense that they possess before they pass. I never want a patient to feel like they're alone so, when possible, I place my hand on their arm when talking to them,” said Colin.
Now in his seventh year of volunteering, Colin has been an unwavering support for patients passing away or experiencing a terminal diagnosis. He also provides support to families and loved ones of patients to ensure they have everything they need whilst in hospital.
Colin said: “End of life volunteering is difficult but rewarding and some new volunteers give up after a few weeks, which I fully understand. Dealing with emotions can be difficult but I’ve developed a way of coping as once I leave the hospital, I leave everything I’ve done that day behind.”
This National Volunteers’ Week (1 – 7 June 2026), Colin has reflected on what he loves most about his role: “I like being able to help people in their final moments. This role has taught me that there is more good in the world than bad. Families and staff are always complimentary and welcoming and my intention is to carry on volunteering at Aintree in the years to come.”
If you, or someone you know is interested in volunteering at University Hospitals of Liverpool Group, you can find out more information about our sites and volunteer roles here.