The team at St John's Hospice in Lancaster are getting ready to celebrate its 40th anniversary in 2026.
The hospice on Slyne Road, which opened in 1986 "built by the people for the people", will host a number of special events next year to mark the occasion.
St John's Hospice has provided end of life care to thousands of people over the past four decades.
The 40th anniversary year will be particularly special, as Lisa Parker from the hospice explained when she visited the Beyond Radio studio recently.
LISTEN to Lisa Parker from St John's Hospice talking about the 40th anniversary year
Events to raise funds for St John's in 2026 will include the traditional Christmas tree collection in January, two treks to the Great Wall of China, the St John's Hospice Choir at Lancaster Grand singing Songs of Screen and Stage on January 25 at the Lancaster Grand, the Keswick 2 Barrow '40 miles for 40 years' walk, the popular Moonlight Walk on June 13 which will have a ruby theme, and the Four-Tea Party where local people, businesses and organisations can get involved to host their own tea party for the hospice.
St John's Hospice opened after Sister Aine Cox MBE (pictured below) liaised with local colleagues who were interested in developing 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.
A trust was then established to launch an appeal for the new building costs.
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.
St John's Hospice's services focus on improving patients' symptoms, and end of life care. The hospice’s experienced team of specialists work together with patients to make sure they are getting the care and support they need to live their life their way, as much as possible.
Find out more about how you can support the hospice at stjohnshospice.org.uk where you can also read more about its history.
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