b'TOP OF THE SHOPSI dont get paid; theres no pension; no holiday pay and no performance bonus and yet I couldnt be happier.Volunteering is the most rewarding job I have ever done. Doing something where theres no strings attachedorulteriormotivegivesmea huge sense of well being, freedom and a connection with my community; Im just surprised there isnt a national waiting list! I joined as a volunteer at the Cancer ResearchUKHarpendenshopbackin May 2014, to cover for my mum whilst she began her chemotherapy treatment: Youre just covering for me, she would saywithawarmsmile.Butbothofus knew that, having been a volunteer herself for over 13 years, she probably wouldnt return. Sadly she didnt and I carried on covering her hours, working on the till and satisfying Ann (the shop manager) that I was up to the challenge of curating the shop window display. Ann saw in me a glimmer of potential and kindly gave me free rein.I was in my element: treating the window as if it were a high street store, de-cluttering andworkingtoathemeorstyle.High streetstoreshavevisualmerchandising restrictionsonhowtheydisplaytheir windows but charity shops have far more freedom of expression and I loved nothing more than challenging myself each week, knowing that I could only work with the garments on the shop shelves, without a stockroom backstage to rely on. Everyonehasadifferentreasonfor volunteering. For me it was about keeping my connection to my mum through the shop and styling the treasures that lie within.Give it a go. Give something back.A letter from Prime Minister David Cameron which accompanied my Points Of Light award, in recognition of my volunteering work.Page 68'