Day in the life Volunteering has had a huge impact on my life We talk to Marie Mitchell, 72, from Ballymoney, Northern Ireland, a volunteer for Versus Arthritis for more than 30 years As told to: Phil Lattimore Im a training volunteer for Versus Arthritis, but over the 33 years Ive been involved with the organisation, Ive done nearly everything delivering training courses, running a branch, fundraising and even sitting on the board of trustees. Im also a training assessor. I originally became involved with Arthritis Care in February 1986, joining my local branch on the North Antrim coast. I didnt have arthritis at the time, but my mother did, so I was interested in getting all the information for her. As her arthritis progressed and I watched her in a lot of pain, I got more heavily involved. Volunteering has had a huge impact on my life. I believe Ive got as much out of it as Ive given to other people I developed osteoarthritis at the bottom of my spine, hip and neck. It was getting difficult to travel to meetings in London, so I gave it up and got involved in selfmanagement training which I really love. I then became involved in the Stay Connected project a one-to-one programme for people in Northern Ireland to help them cope with loneliness, isolation and pain. We took the self-management skills to the people who needed it and couldnt get out. Every day is different for me. If Im taking courses, theres the preparation beforehand, the travelling and delivering the course. I travel all over Northern Ireland, but its so enjoyable. Being awarded the British Geriatric Society Special Medal 2019 was the icing on the cake. I was humbled, speechless it came totally out of the blue. Volunteering has had a huge impact on my life. I believe Ive got as much out of it as Ive given to other people. Arthritis and restricted mobility can lead to isolation, but when youre involved with Versus Arthritis, you never feel like that. I would strongly recommend anyone who has a few hours spare a week to volunteer because it is the greatest thing for your emotional and mental wellbeing. And youre helping the people in the community who are most in need of help. Its taught me to face up to all the challenges that have come to me in life. If I were 30 years younger, I would carry on for another 30 years.