For nearly two decades, Margo Ram and Yvonne Barnes have been a familiar and friendly face at the main reception of Doncaster Royal Infirmary, providing voluntary services to the Trust.
In June 2005, their volunteering journey began and on one thing the pair agreed: “We gelled straight away!”
Their first three weeks of volunteer training was led by John Cassidy, a witty, well-liked, mentor at the Trust and former police officer from Scotland. Margo, a Scot herself, fondly remembers his banter, which reminded her of her late father.
Those early days set the tone for what volunteering would become for them both: full of connection and support.
The duo makes a complementary pair – both with a warmth and calmness but unmistakable cheeky humour and quick wit, especially together.
Yvonne said: “The thing that makes working together so fulfilling is having a sense of humour. We know instinctively what each other is thinking.”
During their time, Margo and Yvonne said they have encountered their fair share of ‘dramas and characters’ sat at the front desk, as well as witnessing key events in the Trusts’ history.
Margo and Yvonne were volunteers during the coronavirus pandemic, though for their protection and the safety of others, they stayed at home for several weeks.
The pair were also in position during a visit in December 2008 from Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal, Anne, to Doncaster Royal Infirmary.
When asked how they support one another during difficult moments on the job, Margo said: “You just give a shoulder to cry on and a listening ear.”
Margo and Yvonne’s time as volunteers is nearly as long as their previous careers, with Yvonne working as a school secretary for 26 years, while Margo was a dinner lady.
Despite coming from different professional backgrounds, they both brought with them a shared love of people and community.
Margo and Yvonne play a vital role in helping patients and visitors find their way, often at moments when reassurance matters most.
They pride themselves on being able to read the room, knowing when someone needs a smile or a joke, and when they simply need calm, clear directions.
Margo said: “We love having banter with visitors. We’ve got a good eye for who is up for a joke.”
Despite many things being the same, a lot has changed during their two decades of service, Yvonne explained.
She said: “We’ve noticed maybe more people need help finding places or departments, or phoning for taxis. Even just having a word with them.”
“We still enjoy coming to the desk, meeting people, helping others and working with other staff.”
Outside of volunteering, their friendship continues. 20 years on, Margo, Yvonne and other volunteers still meet up weekly to socialise.
One such volunteer is Sue, who also has 20 years of volunteering service with the Trust and joined the team a few months after Margo and Yvonne in 2005.
Sue first stepped in to temporarily cover for Yvonne at the reception desk. When Yvonne returned, the connection between the three was immediate, and the group quickly became inseparable, Margo explained.
Margo said: “Sue is the third member of our team – the three degrees!”
In December 2025, the Trust celebrated its incredible volunteers with a Christmas brunch, funded by Doncaster and Bassetlaw Teaching Hospitals Charity – a small thank you for the enormous contribution volunteers like Margo, Yvonne and Sue make every single week and an opportunity to recognise those who have reached long service milestones.
Karen Jessop, Chief Nurse at DBTH, said: “Margo and Yvonne have made an important contribution to Doncaster Royal Infirmary over the past 20 years. As volunteers at the main reception, they support patients and visitors at what can often be a stressful time, offering clear guidance, reassurance and a welcoming presence.
“Their service and friendship highlight the positive role volunteering plays for individuals and the wider hospital community.”
To enquire about voluntary roles across the Trust, contact Voluntary Services on 01302 644403, or e-mail nicola.ramshaw@nhs.net.
About DBTH Charity:
Doncaster & Bassetlaw Teaching Hospitals’ Charity is the official charity which supports Doncaster and Bassetlaw Teaching Hospitals Trust to go above and beyond by providing additional equipment, services and amenities for our patients, visitors and staff which cannot be funded by the NHS alone.
These additional extras would not be possible without the support of our community. With your help, we can continue to work with our Trust to fund innovative and exciting projects that make a difference to our patients, their families and our colleagues who care for them.
Visit the charity website to find out more: https://dbthcharity.co.uk/