Staff and Volunteers Celebrate 40 Years of Hospice Care

Staff and volunteers at Saint Francis Hospice came together on Tuesday 23 July to celebrate 40 years of hospice care.  

Special guests including our Trustees, Patrons, local MPs, hospice leaders across Essex and London, community faith leaders, health care partners and funders, were invited to an exhibition in our Education Centre to find out more about our services and our plans for the next 40 years.  

Celebrations followed on the green with a cream tea for those attending the afternoon event and a disco for those attending in the evening.  

“I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to everyone who attended our 40th birthday celebration yesterday,” said CEO Grazina Berry.  

“It was wonderful to see so many happy faces together, both at the afternoon cream tea and the evening disco. 

“A huge thanks to the staff who worked tirelessly to make the day the success that it was; there are too many to mention here individually. Your dedication and hard work did not go unnoticed.” 

Grazina thanked our wonderful service users Nuala, Skip and Ryan for their moving speeches about their experience of hospice care and praised their courage and compassion.  

Many staff and volunteers received Long Service Awards marking mile stones from 5-35 years. 

Paul Gwinn, Acting Chair of Trustees, presented Gill Wendelken, our Voluntary Services Manager, with a Long Service Award for an incredible 40 years of service.  

Paul paid tribute to Gill’s incredible commitment. Gill was involved with the hospice before it even opened and has continued to be an important part of the organisation over the past four decades. 

“Thank you to everyone who attended and helped with the exhibition, including our valued Trustees," said Grazina. 

“The exhibition was very well attended, with lots of networking and interest in what we do. The positive feedback and insights will be invaluable for our future strategic planning. 

“We all had such a wonderful day, and it was a lovely way to celebrate our hospice's birthday. Here’s to the next 40 years!” 

You can find out more information about Saint Francis Hospice’s palliative and end of life care services, volunteer opportunities of ways to support the charity by visiting sfh.org.uk