Sarah, visitor assistant. Outside of Highgate, Sarah studies forensic psychology and volunteers in a prison. She has an interest in the macabre; she enjoys visiting cemeteries and is learning taxidermy. Volunteering at Highgate appeals to her for the unusual people it attracts.
John, Abney Park trust manager. John moved to Stoke Newington seven years ago. He had left his job, was unemployed, and would regularly wander around the cemetery. He offered his time as a volunteer and was offered employment after five months. He has now been working at the cemetery for five years.
Dave, Highgate Cemetery volunteer landscape gardener. Volunteering at Highgate provides Dave his perfect weekly shot of High Victorian Gothic, which has become essential to his general sense of well-being. He’s always loved cemeteries, and six years ago decided to give something back. It’s no exaggeration to say it’s most probably his favorite place ever.
Hayley, volunteer tour guide. Hayley is a journalist and spends most of her time writing about death. She has wanted to volunteer at Highgate for about ten years. Her father illustrated the graphic novel "From Hell," and Hayley feels that her obsession may have stemmed from the photos of dead prostitutes that were pinned up on his drawing board when she was tiny.
Agnes, volunteer litter picker. In 2013, Agnes and 30 others collected three tons of rubbish that had accumulated in the cemetery along Stoneleigh Terrace. Ever since, she has made it her business to pick up anything that is chucked over the wall by people who don’t appreciate the beauty of the place. Her kitchen window overlooks the cemetery, and its calm and beauty gives her great pleasure.
John, trustee. John has been associated with the cemetery since he came to the first “open day” here in 1976. He fell in love with the place. John buried his child here in 1986.