Phil Brown is the kind of person all charities would love to have on their team, someone who wears several hats and excels in all of them.

A volunteer, employee and fundraiser, Phil first became involved with Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice when he volunteered in the human resources department, providing administrative support and lending a helping hand with various projects.

But when a full-time HR administrator role opened up at the hospice, he jumped at the chance of working for the charity.

A year down the line, he is loving the job – while still volunteering and fundraising by taking part in running events too.

“It is such a positive environment at Bluebell Wood, and everyone is so friendly and appreciative,” said Phil, who lives in Doncaster. “I originally volunteered to gain more experience in HR, as it was playing a bigger part in my previous job at a car breakdown company, but also because I wanted to give something back to a local charity that provides vital services to children and families.

“When the full-time role came up, I didn’t have to think twice, and I’m enjoying every minute. Bluebell Wood is a wonderful place, full of great people and the care and support that is provided is nothing short of amazing. The team I work with are the best people and can’t do enough to support you.”

Through his running, Phil has raised more than £1,000 for the hospice – and he is set to raise more later this year, when he tackles the Great North Run again!

“I got into running through a local park run (a national 5k regular Saturday morning run) for a few years,” Phil explained. “I then wanted to challenge myself and enter some 10k and half marathon races. I have done the Doncaster 10k and Great North Run for Bluebell Wood, but my biggest achievement was completing the London Marathon. Running gives me a real sense of achievement, not only keeping fit, but also when raising money for a brilliant cause.”

Heidi Hawkins, Chief Executive Officer at Bluebell Wood, said: “Phil is an absolute star, and we were thrilled when he chose to join us full time last year. He does so much for Bluebell Wood, even without all the running, but the fact he puts in so many miles to raise vital funds for us is a sign of what a valued person he is to all of us at the hospice, including the children we care for, and their families. Keep those legs up, Phil!”

Bluebell Wood, which opened in North Anston, South Yorkshire in 2008, cares for babies, children and young people from across South Yorkshire, North Nottinghamshire, North Derbyshire and parts of North Lincolnshire whose lives are sadly just too short, both in their own homes and at the hospice.

In addition to clinical care services, it provides a home-from-home for families facing the toughest of times. The team also supports other health care providers in the community and in local hospitals.

It costs almost £6.5m each year to keep the hospice running, with around just 16 percent of funding coming from government and the remaining 84 percent generated by fundraising. All services are completely free to families who are referred to Bluebell Wood.

To find out more, please explore our website. To donate, visit our donation page.