Posted on 27th March 2026

A volunteer at our Wem shop has found love after loss, meeting his fiancée while giving back to the service that once supported him and his family.

Brian Burns, an Environmental Health and Safety Manager, began volunteering at our shop in Wem after his wife of more than 40 years sadly passed away from cancer.

Severn Hospice supports local people living with incurable illness, and towards the end of her life, Brian’s wife Serena received care from us at home.

Rewarding

Wanting to show his gratitude, Brian decided to give something back. He said: “I was so thankful for everything they did for us, and I just wanted to help in any way I could.”

What started as a way to give back soon became something more, and Brian discovered how much he enjoyed volunteering.

“It’s really rewarding. You meet so many local people from all kinds of backgrounds, and you have all the lovely regular customers who come in all the time,” he said. “I thought, I could be sat at home watching football – or I might as well be doing something important.”

And it was there, among the rails and shelves of the charity shop, that Brian met Chrissy, a local artist and regular customer.

Getting married

The pair struck up a conversation and realised they had plenty in common, from their sense of humour to their taste in music. Brian initially commissioned Chrissy to paint a picture of his late wife and their five dogs – but their connection grew beyond that.

“After that, things just went their own way,” he said. “It’s like we’d always known each other. She also passed the ultimate test – all my dogs adore her!”

The couple are now getting married this weekend, with the Severn Hospice shop manager and several fellow volunteers joining them to celebrate the special day.

Volunteering

For anyone considering volunteering at a charity shop, Brian has a simple message.

“If you’re ever even thinking about it, I’d say just do it,” he said. “You might think it’s about giving away your time, but actually it’s about what you’re getting – all those wonderful experiences and the people you meet.

“And you just never know what you might find in a charity shop!”

Anyone interested in volunteering at our shop can find out more at severnhospice.org.uk/volunteer