LISTEN: Ice cream day held to remember figurehead of Lancaster hospice

Annie Hughes and Hannah Egglestone from the St John's Hospice team, with long-time volunteer Brenda Flanagan

A triple celebration has been held to remember a driving force of Lancaster's hospice with help from a well-known ice cream firm.

St John's Hospice hosted a day to mark what would have been the 99th birthday of Sister Aine Cox, a leading light behind its formation.

To celebrate the occasion, Wallings' ice cream van visited the hospice to generously give out free 99 ice creams to staff and volunteers.

This year is the 40th anniversary of both St John's Hospice and Wallings, which is based on Garstang Road in Lancaster.

Beyond Radio's Sam Cragg and Luke Edmondson also popped along to talk to some of the people who gathered on Tuesday outside the hospice on Slyne Road.

Interviews are with long-time volunteer Brenda Flanagan, who was there on the day the hospice opened in 1986. Sam also spoke to Phil Walling from Wallings, and Sue McGraw, chief executive of the hospice.

LISTEN to Brenda Flanagan

LISTEN to Phil Walling

LISTEN to Sue McGraw

Sue McGraw with a plaque commemorating the life of Sister Aine Cox

A post on the hospice Facebook page said: "To celebrate what would have been Sister Aine's 99th birthday, Wallings came to St John's Hospice and generously gave out free '99's to our patients, volunteers and staff.

"It was lovely to enjoy a moment in the sun and think about the wonderful woman who helped establish St John's 40 years ago.

"Thank you to Wallings who are celebrating their 40th anniversary this year too!"

Sister Aine worked together with a group of hospice supporters to set up a new purpose hospice building for the region.

The decision was then made to move the service from St John of God Hospital, Silverdale to a purpose built facility in Lancaster.    

A trust was then established to launch an appeal for the new building costs.

The first sod was cut in 1984 and the topping out was done by Sister Aine in 1985.    

The first patient was transferred by Dr Warren from Silverdale on December 5, 1985. The second patient was admitted by another local GP, and more patients followed soon afterwards.  

The formal opening of St John’s Hospice, Lancaster was performed by Anne, Duchess of Norfolk on January 8 1986. 

Sister Aine Cox

"She was a figurehead for many years and an inspiration for many pursued the fulfilment of work and volunteering in palliative and end of life care, at a time when hospice care was new and still being developed," said a post on the hospice Facebook page.

"The team today and the community we serve, are forever grateful for her dedication and kindness.

"Many members of our team, both staff and volunteers have wonderful memories of working alongside Sister Aine."

Here are more photos from the day at St John's Hospice.

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