A HOSPICE is building a dedicated band of supporters to spread word of its specialist care.

Sobell House is piecing together a team of 'ambassadors' to rally the community ahead of its £9m expansion project.

It is the first time the Headington hospice has created the voluntary roles, which will promote palliative care and Sobell's plan for a new clinic and garden annex.

Natalia Baeva said she was 'honoured' to be named the first ambassador in January, after a chance job unexpectedly led her to the hospice.

The 49-year-old, originally from Moscow, came to Sobell two years ago to translate for a Russian doctor during his week-long placement.

She said: "It's not what I expected. People expect it to be a sad place, they say it must be depressing or horrible to work there. But it's not. I was surprised at how calming and peaceful it was. I thought 'what can I do to help?'"

The mother-of-two started volunteering in March 2015 as a driver, picking up patients from their homes every Wednesday and transporting them door-to-door to the hospice's day centre.

She said: "It's the best day of my week - I wouldn't trade it for anything else. I get so much more out of it than I can possibly give to them, I truly enjoy it."

Mrs Baeva, who lives in Somerton near Banbury, works for the rest of the week as an English language teacher at Homelingua and also mentors two Russian students through the Oxford Guardians scheme.

She said: "It's good to help someone you are not connected with, it gives you some sort of a boost. When you help someone in your family it's almost a duty, but this is different. Knowing we all might need this help in the future helps to understand how important it is. I'm very glad I can help."

Mrs Baeva is among two ambassadors who have already signed up, but the hospice hopes to take on at least another four.

Hospice fundraising officer Libby Aley said: "The number of people in our fundraising team is modest and we aren't always able to go out and meet everyone that does amazing fundraising for us face to face, although we would love to.

"The role of our ambassadors is to enable us to be in touch with more of our supporters on a more personal level and also spread the word about Sobell House's need for community support and the difference public donations make to the hospice."

Ambassadors are tasked with anything from cheque presentations, attending events, putting up posters or presenting at community events.

To find out more about becoming an ambassador can call 01865 857007 or email libby.aley@sobellhospice.org.