My name is Jo Hornby, and I am the Butterfly Volunteer Co-ordinator at Mersey and West Lancashire Teaching Hospitals.

I have the privilege of working with a fantastic group of volunteers who dedicate their time by providing companionship to patients who are in the final hours/days of life and their visitors. My role is an absolute honour, and I am keen to learn from every situation.

Knowing that our simple acts of kindness make such a difference at this sensitive time is something that is very important to us as a team but also on a personal level, I am so proud that we can raise awareness of why talking about death and dying really matters.

Our support has meant that patients have a hand to hold, visitors have a listening ear and the option of a short break away from the bedside and staff have the reassurance that we are present for longer periods when they can’t be.

I am lucky to have the support of many departments within the hospital and will continue to champion our Butterfly Volunteers and end of life care.