Ads help us keep this site online
2nd June 2025
Posted by Johnny Jenkins
This summer, St. Luke’s Hospice proudly marks 35 years since welcoming its first patient – and the community is warmly invited to join the celebrations.
St. Luke’s Hospice was co-founded by Trudy Westmore-Cox MBE and Les Cox in 1990, driven by the desire to provide compassionate care to help people at the end of their lives, and support for their families and loved ones.
Over the past three and a half decades, the charity has grown and responded to support the changing needs of the community, and the local healthcare system. The Hospice currently provides 16 patient-facing services, caring for people with life limiting or palliative conditions, supporting people from the moment they are diagnosed, as well as offering support to loved ones and carers.
In recognition of this milestone, and paying tribute to the patients and families it has cared for, the dedicated staff, volunteers, donors and partners who have helped shape its journey, St. Luke’s Hospice is warmly inviting the community to two special Garden Parties:
· Saturday 14th June 12pm-4pm, St. Luke’s Hospice, Thurrock RM14 3EB
· Saturday 5th July 12pm-4pm, St. Luke’s Hospice, Basildon SS16 5NJ
Entrance to the Garden Parties is FREE. Friends, colleagues and supporters from the last 35 years will be sharing their memories, whilst celebrating the Hospice, and there will be a range of stalls, entertainment and ceremonial activities.
Eileen Marshall, CEO of St. Luke’s Hospice, said: “For 35 years, St. Luke’s Hospice has been a vital part of our community, offering expert, compassionate care when it’s needed most. As we mark this milestone, it’s a powerful reminder that the support we provide remains just as essential today as it was in 1990. I warmly invite everyone – those who have supported us, been touched by our care, or want to learn more about our work – to join us in celebrating our 35th Anniversary. Together, we can honour the past and look to the future with hope.”
Purchase a special iron-work sunflower
As part of the 35th anniversary celebrations, you can purchase a special iron-work sunflower from St. Luke’s Hospice.
Sunflowers purchased on or before Thursday 12th June 2025 will be included in a very special Sunflower Meadow display at the charity’s Thurrock Garden Party on Saturday 14th June.
The Sunflower Meadow will remain on display at Thurrock Hospice until Monday 30th June, after which you will have the option to keep your sunflower/s if you wish. There are a limited number of sunflowers available, so please purchase yours today to avoid disappointment.
To find out more about St. Luke’s Hospice, for more information on the Garden Parties, or to purchase your iron-work sunflower, please visit the charity’s website www.stlukeshospice.com/garden-party or call the St. Luke’s Hospice Fundraising team on 01268 524973.
The Garden Party at Thurrock is proudly supported by West & Coe. The Sunflower Meadow is sponsored by Coryton Intergen. The Basildon Garden Party is sponsored by SEIB Insurance.