Posted on 6 November 2025
A former young volunteer with The League of Friends at The Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital (RJAH) has taken her first step towards a career in medicine after securing a place to study at the University of Nottingham.
Cara Puvogel, who took part in the charity’s Future Friends youth volunteering programme, spent a year and a half supporting patients on the Midlands Centre for Spinal Injuries at the Oswestry based hospital – all while studying at Moreton Hall School, just down the road.
Each Monday afternoon, Cara joined fellow volunteers Erica and Illid to serve drinks and chat with patients as part of the Ward Friend role.
Cara said: “I really enjoyed having conversations with the patients and seeing the progress some of them made over time – it was lovely to feel that I could help brighten someone’s day just by spending time with them.”
Cara’s volunteering experience gave her an early insight into patient care and life within a busy hospital setting something that inspired her to pursue a future career in medicine.
She has now begun studying Medicine at the University of Nottingham and is looking forward to qualifying as a doctor in the years ahead.
Victoria Sugden, League of Friends CEO, said: “We’re so proud of Cara and delighted to see her taking this next step. Our Future Friends volunteers bring such enthusiasm and kindness to their roles and it’s wonderful to know that her time at RJAH has helped inspire her career choice.”
Heather Thomas-Bache, Head of Volunteers, said: “There are a huge range of benefits to volunteering, from improving your mental and physical health to learning new skills and boosting your self-confidence.
“Our Future Friends programme is also an excellent way to give young people the chance to gain valuable experience in a healthcare environment – I’d encourage anyone thinking about volunteering to get in touch.”
For further information and for the full list of available roles, please visit the dedicated website: www.futurefriendsrjah.org.uk.
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