Celebrating a visionary

Almost 40 years ago Cicely Saunders changed all that with the opening of the first hospice, St Christopher's in London, in 1967.

Twenty years later, thanks to Ms Saunders' hospice movement, Hastings received its own hospice with the opening of St Michael's Hospice on Upper Maze Hill with six beds - it now has 29.

Earlier this month Ms Saunders passed away aged 87 in St Christopher's surrounded by the care and comfort she worked her whole life to achieve.

Last Friday a service of celebration and thanks giving in memory of her life and work was held at St Augustine's Chapel in St Michael's Hospice.

Chairman Derek Norcross said: "Cicely Saunders died with dignity and without pain in conditions she fought for all her life. She was a remarkable lady. Everyone who met her said three things - she was very tall, very intelligent and very shy. She realised no one was addressing the needs of the dying but was told no one would listen to her unless she was a doctor, so she trained for six years and became a doctor and people listened."

Mr Norcross has been on the board at St Michael's Hospice for 13 years and chairman for over seven years and in that time has been actively changing the image of hospices.

He said: "I visit schools and ask the children what a hospice is and they always say a place people go to die and I say it's the exact opposite. They then know it's a place people go to live."

St Michael's Hospice is one of 200 hospices, covering six continents, 100 countries and over 7,000 initiatives, to emerge from the work Ms Saunders began 38 years ago.

Another remarkable lady, Sheila Leach, was the inspiration behind Hastings achieving its own hospice with encouragement from Ms Saunders.

Now it has an annual turnover of 5.5 million a year and the hospice is expected to raise over 2 million of that itself.

Mr Norcross said people often ask why the hospice doesn't rely on the National Health Service for funding.

He said: "It is always important the hospice movement is independent so we can set our own standards. Our patient/nurses ratio is way above what we could achieve under the NHS.

"I have found the work of the Board of Directors immensely satisfying. Trustees make a huge difference both to the charities and the communities they serve and have an important say in the way the charity supports and provides services to its users."

St Michael's Hospice is now looking for volunteers to join the Board of Directors and continue the great work of the hospice.

According to Mr Norcross, they are seeking anyone who has the time, energy and commitment to participate actively in the continuing development of the Hospice's services.

Particularly those with skills in building, architecture, marketing, finance and education combined with networking skills.

Chief executive, Celia Pyke-Lees, said: "We want to attract people from all over Hastings and Rother because the hospice belongs to the whole area."

Mr Norcross added: "This community abounds with generosity and this hospice belongs to the people of Hastings and Rother. No one can live in this area for any length of time without being touched by its work.

"The hospice movement is truly one of the great miracles of present times and we must ensure its continuation."

l If you are interested in becoming a member of the board at St Michael's Hospice contact the chief executive, Celia Pyke-Lees, at the hospice on 445177.