Sharing my Ruby Wedding Anniversary with Saint Francis Hospice

Jill Marsden was married the same year Saint Francis Hospice opened. As Jill celebrates her ruby wedding anniversary and the hospice celebrates 40 years of caring for local people, Jill looks back on how the charity became an important part of her life.

My husband Tim and I got married at Saint John’s Church on The Green in Havering-atte-Bower on 31st March 1984. At the time, the vicar’s house was beside the main hospice building and he spoke to us about how the hospice was opening in July that year.

I was only 22 at the time and didn’t know about hospice care but over the years I learned more about it. Then in 2001, while I was working for the NHS, I had some spare time and decided to volunteer with the hospice’s fundraising team. A year later I joined as a staff member.

It was completely different back then. We were a team of four and I got involved with everything from organising events and community fundraising to processing donations and ordering merchandise.

One of my fundraising highlights was taking part in a Jail Break challenge with hospices across the country. Starting at Chelmsford Prison, we had to see how far we could get without spending any money. It was brilliant and not only did it raise funds for the hospice, it raised awareness of hospice care.

Saint Francis Hospice has grown beyond belief since the early days and I’ve seen so many changes in the past 22 years as the hospice as developed to care and support more people.

As part of the Supporter Relations team, my role is incredibly varied, and no two days are the same.

I have the privilege of speaking with supporters every day, many of whom have lost loved ones and who want to help other people who need hospice care.

I also process donations and make sure our supporter database is updated.

And while I no longer organise events, I support every part of fundraising. Light Up a Life is one of my favourite events. I've been involved with it for 20 years and it means a lot to me. 

The hospice became such a big part of my life without me realising it. I’m so proud of the amazing care and support the hospice gives to people and their families and I couldn’t imagine working anywhere else.