Former Mayor of Redbridge raises £36,550

‘It was a privilege to raise funds for Saint Francis Hospice during my mayoral year 2024-25.’ said Redbridge Councillor  and former Mayor Sheila Bain, as she presented the charity with a cheque for £36,550. 

Cllr Bain, who has been a councillor for more than 11 years, represents Wanstead Park ward and nominated Saint Francis Hospice and the Guide Dogs for the Blind Association as her two chosen charities when she was elected Mayor in 2024, and held a number of fundraising events. 

On Tuesday, 17th June, she presented a cheque for £36,550 to Grazina Berry, Chief Executive Officer at the hospice in Havering-atte-Bower.  

“It was a privilege to raise funds for Saint Francis Hospice during my mayoral year,” said Cllr Bain.  

“I know what incredible work the hospice does in caring for those with life limiting conditions and the support it gives to their loved ones.  

“I heard firsthand from families at the commemoration service at Brentwood Cathedral last year of their experiences of the hospice.” 

My brother was cared for in his local hospice

Cllr Bain said she wanted to support Saint Francis Hospice after she experienced the difference hospice care made to her brother Ian’s life before he died.  

“My younger brother Ian was ill for quite some time and when he went into his local hospice, he found contentment.” 

“Ian was a different person thanks to all the care he received from incredible staff and you could forget that he was very close to the end of his life.  

“He was cheerful, never lost his sense of humour and he did not dwell on his illness. We were able to bring the dog to visit and spend time in the beautiful gardens.  

He was there for three weeks and we were able to spend quality time together. 

“I knew Saint Francis Hospice served the people of Redbridge and I’d always heard what a wonderful  organisation it was.  

I was bowled over when I visited Saint Francis Hospice

“I came to visit the hospice shortly after I was elected Mayor and I was bowled over. The whole set up from the moment you arrive is so friendly and welcoming and the gardens are beautiful.   

“The hospice’s care extends into the community and the teams of healthcare professionals provide a wide range of support for people in their homes, from nursing care to helping people manage their symptoms and pain, to therapies such as physiotherapy and other complementary therapies. The Hospice at Home team is there to care and support people in the last days or weeks of their life, so they can die at home if it is their wish to do so.”  

It was a pleasure to raise funds for the hospice over the past year and contribute in a small way to the continuation of their great work.