Sally enjoying working in health support

Sally enjoying working in health support

14 May 2025

A RETIRED banking official who has carved out a new career helping cancer patients says she is “just loving” what she is doing.

Sally Irvine from Ballygowan is a health and wellbeing support worker at the Ulster Hospital’s Macmillan Cancer Unit.

She initially volunteered at the hospital before successfully getting a permanent job in January last year.

During her 40 year career in the bank, Sally explained how she was heavily involved in organising Macmillan fundraising coffee mornings in the branch. 

And when she left the bank she decided she wanted to give something back and became a volunteer.

Sally says whether you have family or close friends going through cancer “you really just want to get alongside them”.

She continued: “Sometimes you are walking with them, sometimes you are carrying them and you just want to do something and be that bit of support that they need.”

When Sally retired, she contacted the Macmillan Unit and staff offered her some opportunities within the unit as well as at the Cancer Centre at the City Hospital. 

“I love people and the fact that I am able to just talk and give them a little bit of help or support,” she continued.

Sally went from her volunteering role, to a fully fledged support worker after a position within the Dundonald unit became available. 

“I thought, well, ‘why not?’ and I was really supported and encouraged by the team. 

“I just put my hat in the ring, went ahead, applied and was successful and have been here since January last year and I am just loving it,” she continued.

“I know I am in the right place and know where I am meant to be. I know this is what I am meant to be doing and I’m am just loving it. It has given me a whole new lease of life.”

Sally also enjoys the opportunity of being alongside a patient.

“Maybe that person is in despair or maybe they are without hope but, by the end of our conversation, either by phone or face-to-face, you think you have made a difference and you have helped them along the way,” she explained.

“That is a privilege. I find myself wanting to be strong for that person.”

And to anyone thinking of offering their time and compassion to the Macmillan Cancer Unit, Sally’s advice is simple – just do it.

She added: “It is as simple as that. 

“It is the best thing for you. You have no idea what it will lead to and you have no idea of how it will improve your own mental and physical well-being. What more could you ask for in a job?”