THE search is on to find a special person willing to start the new year with a fresh challenge.

Halton Haven Hospice is looking for a volunteer to give patients, carers and their families a voice.

They are appealing for someone who has good listening and literacy skills and can commit to a few hours every week.

Viv Culleton, director of care and operational services at the hospice, said: “This is a very important, trusted role.

“It is essential that we have feedback from patients and family members.

“Ideally, this volunteer will be able to come into the hospice for a couple of hours at different times each week and speak to patients and their relatives.”

Mum-of-two Viv, aged 51, from Ditton, a nurse for 30 years, recently celebrated being five years free from cancer.

She raised hundreds of pounds for the hospice and Clatterbridge to mark her milestone achievement.

Viv has worked in hospitals, theatre, senior care and mental health.

But she says looking after cancer patients is the best job she has ever had.

She said: “It is an absolute privilege to be here.

“The level of support we give each other is incredible. I’ve never known a working environment like this.

“We offer 24-hour care not just for patients, but for families and their carers.

“The hospice is very warm and friendly. There is lots of laughter.

“On many occasions I’ve had to come out of meetings to ask my colleagues to keep it down a bit. We can’t hear ourselves because of the laughter.”

She hopes to find a dedicated volunteer who can make a long term commitment.

Viv added: “The volunteer will have access to all areas where patients, their families and carers are.

“We will value the volunteer immensely. They will become a part of the hospice team.”

For further information and an application form, call 01928 712728 or e-mail volunteering@haltonhaven.co.uk.

Closing date is Monday, January 19, 2015.