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Richard is a long-term volunteer at our head office in Peterborough and leads our work in selling pre-loved items on eBay. He loves doing his bit to make a difference to our fundraising.

Here’s his story in his own words:

"My volunteering journey began when I had an opportunity to visit the Peterborough Council for Voluntary Services in 2010. While there I was told Kidney Research UK was looking for volunteers; I applied and after a couple of interviews joined the charity as a part-time office volunteer. That was back in July 2010 and I’m still here today.

Everybody appreciates the contribution I make to the charity, and my work is acknowledged. Over the past seven years, I‘ve learned new skills and like to think I’ve grown not only in my abilities and skillset but also in confidence.

One of the things I like most about Kidney Research UK is they encourage their staff and volunteers to continually improve their expertise and skills. In my time here, the charity has enabled me to study for and pass a Level 3 NVQ in Business and Administration.

I’ve done various jobs in the office, including filing, data entry, supporter engagement packs and, since September 2013, I’ve found myself part of the wider fundraising team. I’m the eBay coordinator for the charity. This essentially means I look after our eBay online presence and try to generate funds for vital kidney research by promoting and selling on pre-loved items which have been donated by our supporters. I really enjoy doing this. It gives me an opportunity is use my photographic skills, and I get to personally interact with our eBay customers. Money is generated and like everyone else in Kidney Research UK, it’s good that what we do helps improve the lives of people living with kidney disease by funding research.

No one is more surprised than me that I’ve volunteered for the charity for nearly seven years. I didn’t think I would last seven weeks before my Asperger’s got the better of me and I would bail out. But, for the first time in my life, I’ve weathered the storm and here I am still, after all this time!

I’d like to think I’ve got many more years yet here at Kidney Research UK."

If you’d like to find out more about volunteering with us, do call us on 0300 303 1100 or email: [email protected]