Valerie Bull, a retired banker, began working as a volunteer for the Hospitals Auxiliary of Bermuda (HAB) in 1998.

"In the back of my mind, I have thought that I could have been a nurse so I feel a close affinity to the hospital," she said.

Mrs. Bull has a lot to offer as a volunteer so you may find her in many places, as she is very flexible. Some days she works at the information desk and on Wednesdays she goes to Curtis Ward to help patients with their menu selections.

She also works with Overseas Family Help Services, (OFHS), which assists overseas patients, and their families. Last year, OFHS volunteers assisted 197 overseas patients and their friends and relatives. She also volunteers at "The Barn", the hospitals largest fundraising enterprise.

As chairperson of the information desk, Mrs. Bull oversees about 25 volunteers who staff the desk in the lobby of King Edward VII Memorial Hospital six days a week, saving the hospital tens of thousands of dollars annually.

Information desk volunteers handle hundreds of phone calls dealing with patient inquiries and a myriad of other questions from the general public.

They also direct visitors to patient rooms and various areas of the hospital. It is an extremely demanding job, as one often has two or three people at a time waiting for assistance, while several others are on the phone needing help.

The information desk is a very busy hub of the hospital and volunteers really need to know just about everything that goes on in the building, as well as where it is happening.

Mrs. Bull describes herself as outgoing and loving people and animals. She dabbles in photography and has three children and five grandchildren, with one on the way.

Quick to flash a smile, she is highly motivated to help others and says there are not enough volunteers at present.

"I truly enjoy my volunteer role and I try to live by the golden rule which says, `do unto to others as you would have them do to you'."

When she reflects on her mentors at the hospital she mentions the late Lady Gloria Astwood, Debbie Byrd and Joy Williams.

Mrs. Bull states that she highly regards the present executive team and hopes that future consideration will be given to more communication with the public in both the private and business community. She hopes that more people will realise the HAB volunteer need and will respond to their worthy cause - helping hospital patients. Her work makes her feel good because she loves giving to the community.

"At present, my dream for the HAB is going out into the community and our churches to encourage others to assist with our mission. Our team, the HAB, benefits all of Bermuda and I am very dedicated and loyal to serving. Never underestimate the difference that one person can make."