– Without these fund resources, we would probably have thrown in the towel, says Ruth Christensen, one of the 14 volunteers associated with the organization.

The Vigil Service, established in 2006, is run entirely by volunteers with a modest budget.

Until now, the organization has benefited from support from the Social Authority's fund for voluntary social work. However, in 2023, the vigil service received no funding, making it necessary to seek resources elsewhere to ensure continued operation.

– The next opportunity for funding from the Social Authority is in August, and therefore we have needed help to cover expenses for phone, accountant fees, IT, and occupational injury insurance, says Ruth Christensen.

The Vigil Service offers presence and support to the seriously ill and dying, as well as relief and support to relatives. Visits take place in the individual's home, at residential facilities, hospitals, or nursing homes.

– We never perform care tasks, as we are not meant to replace the professionals. Our task is to sit with the dying and hopefully create a sense of security. Additionally, we can help relatives get a full night's sleep, knowing that someone is sitting with the dying, says Ruth Christensen.

In 2022, the Vigil Service in Thisted was active for 806 hours. The majority of the volunteers are people who have retired from the labor market. This also applies to Ruth Christensen, who worked as a bioanalyst for 44 years.

When she left the labor market, she wished to become a volunteer, and in 2019 she became part of the Vigil Service in Thisted, which she finds meaningful.

– I feel that I can help make a difference for the dying and for their relatives, says Ruth Christensen, who encourages people considering becoming a volunteer to contact coordinator Ingrid Hundahl.