Sinead, Chipping Norton Shop Manager

Name: Sinead Gowing
Job Title: Shop Manager, Chipping Norton
Joined the team: August 2023

What’s a typical day like?

Most days follow a similar routine, although as with any retail role, not everything always goes to plan.

I usually start the day by reviewing stock and reducing clothing that has been on sale for more than four weeks before it moves on for resale elsewhere. I check the shop displays, process donations and spend time pricing, steaming and preparing items for sale. Some donations need additional research and may be sent for online sale.

Throughout the day, I also support our fantastic volunteers, cover the till when needed and help keep the shop looking its best for customers.

What do you wish people knew about hospice care?

That hospice care isn’t something to be frightened of. In reality, it’s about helping people live as well as possible, free from pain and as comfortable as they can be, surrounded by the people who matter most to them.

It’s also not just the patient who receives support. Families are cared for too.

How does it feel to work for the hospice?

I feel extremely proud to work for Katharine House and to be part of a team that shares the same goal in such a caring environment.

What makes Katharine House so special?

Katharine House is a very special place. I experienced that first-hand when a loved one received care there in 2021. It’s a calm and welcoming environment where staff and volunteers work with genuine compassion to support patients and families.

If I had to sum up my role in one sentence, I’d say: hard work, challenging at times, sometimes emotional, but incredibly rewarding.

The best thing about my job is: turning donations into money for the hospice and being there for our customers, donors and volunteers.

My highlight since joining Katharine House is: seeing volunteers work tirelessly to support the hospice and meeting donors who bring in the possessions of loved ones who received care here. It is incredibly humbling. I’ll also never forget reuniting a customer with €450 that had been mistakenly donated in a wallet.

If I could go anywhere in the world, I’d go to: Grenada, where I got married in 2004.

My favourite dessert is: chocolate profiteroles every time.

People are often surprised when I tell them: I have 15 tattoos, ranging from Piglet to sentimental pieces covering everything from my shoulders to my ankles.

My idea of a perfect day is: having a rummage at a car boot sale looking for bargains, followed by lunch with family.

Without doubt, the best animals are: dogs. In my opinion, they’re the most loving. We used to have a Cocker Spaniel called Poppy, but unfortunately she became ill and passed away in September 2024.

The best advice I’ve ever been given is: focus on what you can control and let go of what you can’t.

My proudest moment was: having my son.

My favourite way to unwind is: curling up with a good book and a mug of tea.

My all-time favourite film is: any James Bond film, especially Moonraker or Spectre.

If I had one superpower, it would be: teleportation, so I could travel anywhere in the world instantly. 

Katharine House Hospice

• To find out more about the work we do, read What we do or explore our Events calendar and For Patients and Families pages.
• If you’re a local business and want to learn more about supporting Katharine House, go to our Corporate pages.
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