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10th January 2020
Posted by Johnny Jenkins
This year St. Luke’s Hospice in Basildon will be celebrating its 30th anniversary; marking three decades of caring for the community.
Founded by Trudy Westmore-Cox MBE and Les Cox in 1990, the charity provides free, expert care and support for people whose illnesses are no longer curable, as well as support to their family and carers.
With the help and generosity of the local community, the main building at Fobbing Farm – once a derelict farmhouse – has been transformed over the decades. Working with the NHS and other healthcare professionals, the Hospice plays a crucial role in the provision of palliative and end-of-life care in South West Essex.
Today, there are 18 services offered by the Hospice; from clinical support to therapeutic services, such as complementary therapy, counselling and bereavement support for patients, and their loved ones and carers.
All services are available, free of charge, to people with or affected by cancer and other advanced, life-threatening illness and extend far beyond the medical support typically associated with hospices.
Care is also offered in people’s own homes and its dedicated Community Services, including OneResponse service offers urgent assistance to people with palliative care needs, their carers and medical professionals 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
As a registered charity, it is only possible for St. Luke’s Hospice to provide its services to the community thanks to the generosity of its supporters and funders.
To mark this milestone year, the charity will be hosting a variety of events and initiatives encouraging people to get involved and show their support.
The Hospice will also be launching a new, dedicated rose in partnership with rose specialist Peter Beales Roses. The unique and patented shrub, named ‘The Pearl of St. Luke’s’, will be sold to raise funds for the Hospice.
Eileen Marshall, Chief Executive of St. Luke’s Hospice, said:
“This is an exciting year for St. Luke’s Hospice; not only are we celebrating our 30th anniversary but work on our new Hospice at Bulphan is well underway, which will see our care extend further.
“St. Luke’s Hospice has come a long way over the years and we’re proud of the services we’re now able to provide in our local community. All of this is thanks to our amazing team and people’s continued generosity and kindness.
“We hope people will join us in celebration this year; whether you take part in a challenge event, join us on a trip down memory lane or attend one of our special events, there will be lots going on.”
Co-founder and Patron, Trudy Westmore-Cox, said:
“I was a District Nurse for over 20 years and the patients I met and my experiences made me determined to set up a Hospice. I felt strongly that people at the end of life, like those I visited, needed to know there was constant help and support for them in times of need and not just with a quick visit. Seeing the growth of the services and the Hospice fills me with pride.”
To find out more about the Hospice and keep up-to-date with developments, visit the website www.stlukeshospice.co.uk, call 01268 524973 or follow the Hospice on social media, @StLukesHospiceB on Twitter and @stlukeshospicebasildonthurrock on Facebook.