Nottinghamshire Hospice marked a major milestone this week when we reached our 40^th birthday.

We had many events planned to celebrate with you all, which, sadly, have had to be postponed, but we’ve enjoyed marking the occasion this week in a virtual way.

We’ve received some fabulous tributes, cards and messages from our wonderful supporters which we’ve shared during the week – thank you so much for all your contributions! We also shared a blog and video message from Bernard, our honorary president, who has been with the hospice in various capacities from the day our doors first opened to patients in July 1980.  It was fascinating to hear what he said about those early days.

Rowena with Founder Bernard Brady and Chair of Trustees Joanne Brunner

The hospice has achieved so much in those 40 years and gone from strength to strength. 2020, the year we should have been celebrating our anniversary, has been one of the most challenging yet – but thanks to you, our amazing supporters, we have weathered the storm so far.

When we launched our Forget Us Not appeal in April, you rose to the challenge magnificently, helping us raise £60,000 to help make up for income lost during the pandemic. We are not out of the woods yet, but we have today launched our Forever Fund appeal which is a way that  you, our valued supporters, can help us keep our care free into the future by pledging a small regular gift.

I am very grateful for the ongoing support we’ve received from our communities over the years. Thanks to you, we can look back with pride on 40 fabulous years of providing crucial palliative care to patients and support for their carers. We intend to be here for the next 40 years too, and you can help us continue to add life to days for people across Nottinghamshire when they need it most.

We are looking forward to celebrating with you next year, when it is safe to do so. Watch this space for details of our plans!

Rowena Naylor-Morrell, Chief Executive, Nottinghamshire Hospice.