SO many will have been touched by the amazing, compassionate work of St Helena Hospice.
The charity helps people face incurable illness and bereavement, supporting them and their families, friends and carers.
It also helps children and adults who are facing bereavement, reaching out to members of our community and bringing comfort and relief to those who need it most.
The hospice’s invaluable work - chronicled in pictures over the next four pages - is now being recorded in a special online archive.
The historical record is being supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, thanks to National Lottery players.
Support party - some of the hospice appeal committee at Myland Hall in October 1981. Pictured from left are Dr Elizabeth Hall, Mary Fairhead, Allan Crabtree, Joyce Brooks and Gladys Teagle
As part of the project, stories of people involved at the beginning are being recorded and preserved, along with historic photographs and film clips.
Official unveiling - Dr Elizabeth Hall, one of the hospice’s founders and then first medical director, gives the Queen Mother a tour of the new hospice and introduces some of the nurses during the official opening in April 1986
Memories are also being sought to add to the collection from people who were involved from 1979, when plans were being made to open a hospice, or who were volunteers or staff members when the hospice opened in 1985.
Royal approval - the official opening by the Queen Mother on April 11, 1986. She is pictured with the chair of council of management, Christopher Holmes
Loved ones who were supported by the hospice in its first few years are also being encouraged to step forward.
Digging deep - Chris Holmes, chair of the council of management, and Anne, Duchess of Norfolk, at the cutting the first sod ceremony in November 1983
It might be that you have memories or photos of the Duchess of Norfolk cutting the turf ceremony in 1983, the Queen Mother’s visit to open the hospice in April 1986 or of the Joan Tomkins day centre opening in 1988 by Diana, Princess of Wales.
Building work - the side extension being built onto Myland Hall in 1984. THis building would house patient rooms and a dining room
To get involved, and for information on how to contribute, email stories@sthelena.org.uk or call St Helena Hospice’s marketing team on 01206 931464.
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