WORCESTER’S St Richard’s Hospice will be marking 40 years of helping patients, families and bereaved people across the county with a special service of celebration and thanksgiving.
The anniversary service will take place from 7pm on Wednesday, May 1 at Worcester Cathedral.
The hospice was first opened by founder Dr Jenny Bulman in 1984 after initially being thought up around a kitchen table in Droitwich.
Since then, it has received more than 73,000 referrals for people to access their services for patients, their loved ones, carers and the bereaved.
It began its life in Droitwich before moving to Rose Hill, a Georgian house in Worcester, in 1991. Rose Hill was officially opened by Diana, Princess of Wales, the following year.
There are now 256 staff and 790 volunteers working at St Richard’s, offering a wide range of services for adults with serious progressive illness, and support for their loved ones and carers.
Services include 24-hour in-patient care, home care, therapeutic activities in the Living Well Centre or support from its Family Support Team.
Chair of trustees Jenny Cowpe said: “Everyone within our community should feel proud of their part in ensuring St Richard’s has been able to grow and care for many thousands of people at a very difficult time in their lives.
“We remain an independent charity and throughout the years our total focus has always been with the patient, their carers and the people they love.
“This remains our top priority as we look to the future.”
Chief executive Mike Wilkerson added: “We have the most incredible and dedicated team of staff and volunteers at St Richard’s who work tirelessly to make our care possible.
”We cannot thank our supporters enough for everything they do for St Richard’s. It’s only with their involvement and generosity that we can make a difference to so many people.
“We know life does not stand still and St Richard’s cannot stand still. We embrace the future and look forward to caring for life, together, for many more decades.”
Visit www.strichards.org.uk/event/celebration-service/ for more information.
