Over the last 40 years, St Barnabas Hospice has touched the lives of innumerable people across Lincolnshire by offering free care to those living with a life-limiting or terminal illness.
To mark four decades of dignified, compassionate palliative and end-of-life care, St Barnabas will introduce forty remarkable people who have helped make it happen through a collection of interviews and photographs, 40 Faces of Hospice care.
Every Friday for the next forty weeks, St Barnabas will share a photo and story of one of the forty people who have been involved in the continuous and compassionate care that the hospice provides. They will look back on the person’s achievements and how they supported the hospice.
Each of the forty people will reflect on and share their individual experiences, providing insight into the work that goes on behind the scenes at the Hospice.
Veronica McBain, Head of Fundraising and Lottery, said: “We are so proud of all that’s been achieved since St Barnabas was founded over forty years ago, and 40 Faces marks the last part of our anniversary celebrations.
“Every person who has worked or volunteered for us and supported the Hospice through fundraising has made a huge difference in providing care to their local communities. We want to shine a light on those incredible people.
“The 40 faces will include the founders who laid the groundwork for how we provide vital care, along with former and current staff members across all departments. Not forgetting the fantastic volunteers who form the backbone of our organisation and the supporters who help us continue the excellent work we do – including our patron, Warwick Davis.
“We are so grateful to everyone who has supported us over the years, and we can’t wait to share 40 Faces of Hospice care with you!”
The first Face published as part of the campaign is 91-year-old Doreen Wood, who worked as a nurse at Lincoln County Hospital in the 1970s and is one of the founders of St Barnabas Hospice.
During her time caring for terminally ill patients in an acute medical ward in the 1970s, Doreen realised there was more that could be done for people facing the end of their life. Inspired by a visit to St Christopher’s Hospice in London, the UK’s first dedicated end-of-life centre, Doreen and her fellow nurses and medics decided to set up a hospice in Lincolnshire.
In between working night shifts, Doreen spent the next few years raising money and after five long years of hard work, the team had raised enough money to open the doors to St Barnabas Hospice in Lincoln. The rest, as they say, is history.
Doreen says: “One of my lasting memories is the wonderful friendships I made along the way. Everyone was of the same mind and so whatever we did to raise money, they were always memorable, happy occasions. I like to think that we gave up our time so the healthcare team at St Barnabas can give people facing the end of their life their time, for as long as they need it.”
To read Doreen’s full story and follow 40 Faces throughout the year, follow St Barnabas on Facebook or Instagram or keep an eye on the website: www.StBarnabasHospice.co.uk/40Faces