Saint Francis Hospice celebrated its 34th birthday with a beautiful service at St John the Evangelist Church in Havering-atte-Bower on Monday (July 23).

Patrons, local dignitaries and CEO Pam Court

Opened with a welcome from CEO Pam Court, more than 50 people attended including Hospice Trustees, Patrons Sir Trevor and Hilkka Brooking, Mayor of Havering Dilip Patel, Mayor of Brentwood Sheila Murphy, and Mayor of Redbridge Debbie Kaur-Thiara.

With a theme of ‘memories’, the hour-long service, led by Jason Demant, Pastoral Care Team Manager at the Hospice, celebrated the memories that people have and build through their lives.
Several of those who ran the London Marathon for the Hospice this year were also in attendance, as well as staff and volunteers, to hear from Rabbi Jonathan Wittenberg speak about the meaning of memory.

Mick Wilson

Mick Wilson, from 10cc, sang The Beach Boys ‘God Only Knows’, while the Hospice Choir performed four songs including a Zulu hymn and ‘Memory’ from the West End stage show Cats.

Concluding with a blessing, attendees then made their way across the road to the Hospice where they enjoyed tea and cake, as all good birthday celebrations should have!

Supporters at the birthday service

CEO Pam Court, said, “Today is an opportunity to remember the patients and families who have been cared for and supported by the hospice but also to recognise the amazing work that our staff and volunteers have done and continue to do.”

Mike, whose mum was cared for by the hospice, also paid tribute to the staff, calling them “angels who walk the earth.”

The Saint Francis Hospice Choir