TRIBUTES have been paid to the ‘inspirational’ founder of St Richard’s Hospice and Droitwich Foodbank Dr Jenny Bulman, who has passed away aged 87.
Jenny founded the now Worcester-based hospice in the kitchen of her Droitwich home in 1984.
While working as a Clinical Assistant in Obstetrics and Gynaecology in Worcester and Evesham in the early 1980s, Jenny was inspired by stories about the benefits of hospice care.
She volunteered at St Mary’s Hospice in Selly Oak to learn more and became convinced similar care needed to be available in Worcestershire.
She formed the first St Richard’s committee in 1984, raising funds and creating a small team of volunteers.
Jenny operated St Richard’s out of her Droitwich home for its first year before helping it make the move to a small terraced house in Castle Street, Worcester.
She stayed at St Richard’s for two years before stepping back but continued to be a passionate supporter of the hospice.
She has also played a keen part in the community in Droitwich, founding the foodbank and Women’s Refuge as well as becoming a keen supporter of the Norbury Theatre and supporting Spa charities.
Jenny was also an excellent artist and musician and has used her talents for the benefit of the Droitwich Community, and in 2018, the Towns Rotary Club presented her with its ‘Good Citizen’ award.
Droitwich Spa High School marked Jenny’s work to support people in the county by naming one of their academic houses ‘Bulman House’.
A special 40th-anniversary service for St Richard’s Hospice, which has gone on to receive more than 73,000 referrals for people to access their services for patients, their loved ones, carers and the bereaved, took place on May 1 at Worcester Cathedral.
St Richard’s Hospice Chair of Trustees, Jenny Cowpe, said: “We are deeply saddened by the death of our founder and friend, Dr Jenny Bulman.
“Jenny was the inspiration behind St Richard’s 40 years ago.
“The vision that came to life in the kitchen of her Droitwich home, has grown into the much-loved and highly respected independent charity we are today.
“Jenny’s achievement is astonishing – her leadership and drive in founding St Richard’s have enabled our teams of staff and volunteers to care for thousands of patients and those important to them over the last 40 years, bringing great benefit to our communities.
“She leaves a wonderful legacy to the people of Worcestershire.
“Jenny will be deeply missed. Our thoughts are with her family and friends.”
