Lancaster hospice holds thanksgiving service to launch 40th anniversary year

This special event marked 40 years to the day the hospice officially opened and was attended by more than 100 well-wishers.

The cathedral was filled with hospice supporters who were there for their own personal reasons.

Many were volunteer fundraisers who over the decades have tirelessly fundraised to build the hospice and keep it open and running.

Others were today’s supporters of this much-loved local charity.

The service was led by Father John Millar, Cathedral Dean, with beautiful music from St John’s Hospice Choir, who sang in the upper choir gallery.

It was an occasion filled with emotions; of joy, of pride, of memories of those loved and lost and hope for the future.

Thanks were given to the people who helped establish and deliver St John’s care and compassion, which although embedded into the fabric of today’s care, 40 years ago was ‘new’ to the world of end of life care.

Sue McGraw, chief executive at St John’s Hospice, said: “What a memorable and special evening. To be surrounded by those who have selflessly given their own time and energy to funding, building and running a charity that has touched the lives of thousands of people over the past 40 years, was an incredible moment in St John’s history.

“We believe a person’s last breath should be as important as their first. Tonight showed just how highly the community values the 40 years of St John’s specialist palliative and end of life care for their loved ones.

Chris Heginbotham, chair of trustees (volunteer role) at St John’s Hospice, said: “For 40 years we have been alongside people during one of the most difficult times they have faced, and our hope is to be there for the next 40 years.

"I want to thank everyone who has played their part in supporting and delivering St John’s care because every moment of generosity and compassion, small or large makes a positive difference in the history of the hospice and the history of someone’s loved one.”