The founder of St John’s Hospice, Sister Aine Cox, has been celebrated with the unveiling of a new plaque outside the Hospice she worked so hard to create.
An initiative to recognise the contributions of women in the area was started by Rachael Bowers, manager of Lancaster City Museums, who contacted Lancaster Civil Society after she was contacted by people asking for the city’s heritage plaques to also recognise the achievements of women.
Lancaster Civil Society has worked with Rachael and the public to celebrate the women who have made significant contributions to the area, whether that be science, the arts, care or another field. More than 40 women have been nominated, and Sister Aine’s plaque is the first of many to be unveiled.
When St John’s Hospice admitted its first patients in December 1985, the Hospice movement in the UK was less than 20 years old. Sister Aine’s determination and pioneering spirit has now helped thousands of people in this area during one of the most difficult times anyone can face.
Sue McGraw, chief executive said, “We are absolutely delighted to have this plaque to commemorate the dedication and care of Sister Aine Cox. We are so proud of her heritage here at St John’s Hospice, and many staff, volunteers and supporters still have fond memories of her. I’m thrilled to be part of this initiative to recognise the work of local women as well, and look forward to learning more about the wonderful things women have contributed to this area!”
In attendance for the plaque unveiling were Sue McGraw, St John’s Hospice’s CEO, Chris Heginbotham, the Chair of Trustees, Pam Barker, Patron of St John’s, and Maddy Bass, Director of Nursing. Also attending were three nurses; Jules Bukowski, Maxine Armistead and Polly Haley, who have all worked at St John’s for over 35 years, and two volunteers, Janie Kirkman and Jean Lawrence. John Regan and David Morgan from Lancaster Civic Society, and Rachel Bowers from Lancaster City Museums also attended to see their first plaque of this initiative.
Police issue quicksand warning after riverbank danger for school pupils in Lancaster
Lancaster animal shelter launches 'Big Build' fundraiser to help save charity
LISTEN: Morecambe "definitely submitting a bid" to become first UK Town of Culture
Heysham Port upgrade blamed for traffic chaos 'trapping residents in their homes'
LISTEN: Tourism champs hail Eden Project and Tour de France as huge for Morecambe Bay area
Donation helps college pan ability football team to play in national championships
LISTEN: Meet the new manager of the Midland Hotel in Morecambe
LISTEN: Main contractor to build Eden Project Morecambe to be announced this month
£1.2m of funding for flood defence schemes in Lancaster district announced
Morecambe Bay hospital trust unveils new painless blood test
Thousands raised to help boost return of Lancaster Music Festival
High street computer games shop in Lancaster closes down
LISTEN: Carnforth actor wins Hollywood and Paris awards for horror film role
"1600 potholes repaired last week" says councillor as roads debate rumbles on
Burger King takeaway in Lancaster city centre closes down
Morecambe lifeboat crew reunite dog lost on sands with owner
New Morrisons Daily supermarket opens in Morecambe
Council investigate after derelict food trailer found dumped in Lancaster layby
Man charged after pedestrian died in Morecambe hit and run
LISTEN: We go out on Pothole Patrol in Morecambe
