For the past 12 years, Gail Smith has been a familiar face at St Stephen’s Hospital, dedicating over 2600 hours of her time to supporting patients in need. With her warm smile and compassionate heart, Gail has made a significant impact on the lives of over 14,000 patients during their time at the hospital.

Gail’s journey into volunteering was sparked by her lifelong interest in all things medical. When her friend Muriel, a fellow St Stephen’s Hospital volunteer, suggested that she reach out to the hospital, Gail jumped at the opportunity. Little did she know that this simple phone call would lead to a fulfilling and rewarding volunteer experience that would span over a decade.

One of the most rewarding aspects of Gail’s volunteer work is assisting in the oncology ward. Despite facing serious illnesses, many patients maintain a positive and cheerful attitude, inspiring Gail with their resilience and hope. Witnessing their journey from sickness to recovery fills Gail with a sense of fulfillment and reminds her of the power of optimism in the face of adversity.

In her role in Day Surgery, Gail takes pleasure in providing small comforts to patients, such as a hot cup of coffee or tea and a warm blanket. The gratitude expressed by patients for these simple gestures brings Gail immense joy and satisfaction. For her, volunteering isn’t just a duty—it’s a labour of love that brings her genuine pleasure and fulfillment.

Gail firmly believes that volunteering is about more than just completing tasks—it’s about providing emotional and meaningful support to those in need. In her eyes, she’s not a hero; she’s a GEM—a giver of emotional and meaningful support. Through her dedication and compassion, Gail has become a beacon of hope and comfort to patients at St Stephen’s Hospital.

As she continues her volunteer journey, Gail remains committed to making a difference, one patient at a time. Her unwavering dedication to serving others serves as an inspiration to us all, reminding us of the profound impact that kindness and compassion can have on the lives of those in need. In Gail Smith, we see the true essence of volunteerism—a selfless commitment to making the world a better place, one act of kindness at a time.