“How people die remains in the memory of those who live on”. These words of hospice movement founder Dame Cicely Saunders were recalled at a special event on Tuesday, when supporters and staff of Hospice at Home Carlisle and North Lakeland welcomed the Duke of Gloucester to mark the charity’s 25-year anniversary.
The Duke met and thanked some of those who are involved with the charity at the event, hosted at Askham Hall.
The royal guest was accompanied by the Lord Lieutenant of Cumbria, Claire Hensman, and was introduced to the charity’s chief executive Debbie McKenna; chairman of trustees the Rev David Wood; founder and former chief executive Fiona Stobart; former trustee and representative of Askham Hall Debbie Slater; Lady Marie-Louisa and Mr Christopher Raeburn. Lady Elizabeth Leeming, president of Hospice at Home, was also present.
Speaking at the event, Debbie McKenna said: “As the new CEO it was a privilege to be part of the 25th anniversary celebrations and I want to thank all our volunteers and supporters for all they kindly contribute.
Recalling Dame Cicely’s words, she added: “We have one chance to get this right for patients and their loved ones and the love and support Hospice at Home receives from our local community demonstrates we achieve this.
“From supporters, trustees, staff, business partners and partner organisations, both past and present, we all contribute to patients having a dignified death, respecting and supporting their wishes to be at home. Thank you for helping Hospice at Home provide ‘Local Care for Local People’.
Mr Wood added: “For those in the last stages of life, and for their loved ones, being at home is one of those wishes that makes an immeasurable difference.
“Being part of that journey is a privilege for Hospice at Home and we continue to strive to make that as easy as we can. The presence of the Duke of Gloucester at our 25th celebration was a lovely endorsement of the work and it was clear that it was a subject with which he was familiar. The buzz around the Barn at Askham Hall showed that there was much inspiration and passion to continue to support the cause of Hospice at Home.”
The royal party were introduced to representatives from across the clinical service area, including the high sheriff, district council chief executives, mayors, councillors and NHS representatives.
The Duke then met the staff and volunteers from various arms of the charity, which included trustees past and present, clinical and fundraising team members, volunteers from across the charity’s five shops and also corporate business partnership supporters.
The Duke heard about the charity’s work providing hospice care at home for patients while supporting families and carers.
Background music was provided throughout by The Brass Belles Band, who are great supporters of the cause, organising many fundraising concerts in aid of the charity.
An afternoon reception of tea and scones was provided by the Askham Hall team in Bank Barn for 140 guests and, following the tour by the Duke, Hospice at Home founder Fiona Stobart, to the sond of huge cheers, cut the special sunflower anniversary cake kindly provided by a local supporter.
The Duke was then invited to unveil a plaque commemorating the 25th anniversary.
