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TV Broadcaster helps celebrate 25 years of caring
18 March 2010
Twenty five years of caring at Saint Francis Hospice has been celebrated with a thanksgiving service attended by hospice staff, volunteers and special guests including TV journalist Martyn Lewis.
Martyn joined guests including Havering Mayor Roger Ramsey, Upminster MP Angela Watkinson and some hospice founders Joan Matthews and Dorothy Evans at the thanksgiving service at Romford Baptist Church, Romford, on Saturday 13th March.
Martyn, who helped open the purpose our built day hospice in 1993, said: “I remember well the spirit of Saint Francis Hospice and it was a privilege to be asked to mark another hospice occasion.
“You have created something special and amazing in Saint Francis Hospice and I know that everyone who has been touched by the privilege of being involved or received care has been changed by the experience. Now with 25 years of achievement behind you here’s to another 25 years, may your vision and ability to help families at their time of need go from strength to strength.”
The service featured readings, hymns, and Martyn read Pablo Neruda’s poem ‘When I die I want your hands on my eyes’. Members of Hall Mead School, Upminster, sang Hallelujah and Shout to the Lord.
Hospice chaplain Revd Graham Laut led the service and said “It was a lovely service bringing a large number of hospice supporters together and a chance to reflect on the foundations of the hospice. Martyn Lewis spoke very powerfully about the hospice movement and Saint Francis Hospice.”
Hospice chairman John McKernan said: “I would like to thank staff, fundraisers and hospice and shops volunteers over the past 25 years for their wonderful work in helping many thousands of patients and for making Saint Francis Hospice what it is today – one of the pioneers of specialist palliative care and a hospice that remains at the cutting edge of this important area of work.
“We were pleased that Martyn Lewis was able to join us in celebrating Saint Francis Hospice.”
Afterwards guests enjoyed refreshments and a look at photos and an exhibition about how the hospice has developed as well as read personal experiences from patients, fundraisers and volunteers.
Martyn also presented two Hospice Hero awards to a volunteer and fundraiser who have been recognised for their support and dedication to the hospice. Trophies were presented to Pam Jones, a volunteer for 17-years initially on reception and currently a volunteer co-ordinator and Chums Charity, a group of four childhood friends, who organise dinner and dances and breaks and have raised in excess of £33,000, including a donation of £10,000 following the service.
