Ms Eccles, who supports people at Warwick Hospital and in their homes, added: “It is really humbling to meet people and their families.”
She begun volunteering with Marie Curie 15 months ago after working as a senior manager in the corporate sector.
Ms Eccles, 59, said many worried about who would look after loved ones and pets after their death and the companion can be a “sounding board” as well as pointing them towards further support, such as Marie Curie’s helpline.
They also can give respite to family members visiting in hospital and are company for people alone.
“So many people at the end of life are without close family members,” Ms Eccles said, adding they could be alone because relatives were abroad or they were the last one left from a circle of friends.
“As a companion volunteer we aim to provide comfort to people, listening to their stories or simply sitting with them and letting them know that they are not alone,” said Ms Eccles.