Butterfly volunteer with a heart of gold
Tarla Modha has spent much of her life helping others.
Her voluntary work has included working with Mencap, Macmillan Cancer Support, Middlesex Association for the Blind, St Mark's Hospital and, most recently, as a Butterfly volunteer providing company for end-of-life patients at Northwick Park Hospital.
Tarla visits Northwick Park Hospital every Tuesday morning and can see up to seven patients after first checking in with the palliative care team. Her work takes her all over the hospital.
“A lot of the older patients have no living relatives. I talk with them, hold their hand, brush their hair and do whatever else I can so they know they aren't alone on their journey. I also provide what support I can to relatives.
“A fair number of patients aren't conscious, but I still talk with them because I believe, on some level, they are aware I am there. No-one should be alone.”
Tarla, who has been volunteering for more than 20 years, says two of the best attributes a Butterfly can have are compassion and being able to listen.
“It's a real privilege to hear people's memories and reflections as they look back over life. It does make you think we'll all be in that position at some stage in our lives and how important it is to live the life that we have.”