Over 30 founding Association Members of The Hospice of St Francis joined Steve Jamieson CEO and Alison Woodhams, Chair of Trustees to plant the first of 10 purple lilac trees as part of a number of celebrations to commemorate 10 years at the Hospice’s Spring Garden Lane site this week.
The Association Members were integral to the vision of the original Hospice founded in 1979 and its subsequent move to Spring Garden Lane and their number includes ex-chairs of Trustees, Charlie Toner, Joan Gentry and Jo Connell. They still play an active role in contributing to the life of the Hospice.
Before the first tree was lowered, the ground was blessed by Hospice Chaplain, Ray Ashley-Brown who encouraged everyone to reflect on how grateful they were for the Hospice and its care. He went on to deliver an inspiring speech outlining the charity’s hopes that the trees become a physical, living symbol of the families the Hospice has cared for, and the staff and volunteers who have cared for them.
Steve Jamieson, commented, “We were delighted to welcome so many of our valued Association Members to the Hospice and enjoyed celebrating 10 years at Spring Garden Lane with tea and a huge 10th birthday cake. This group have been instrumental in shaping the direction of the Hospice and I am extremely grateful for their continuing interest in our work. Without passionate volunteers, we simply wouldn’t be able to offer our care and support when it matters most.”