The Hospice is sad to share the news that Bernard Brady, Nottinghamshire Hospice’s co-founder and Honorary President, has died aged 93.

Bernard was jointly responsible for setting up the Hospice, and held compassionate end-of-life care close to his heart. Here, we celebrate his life, and the legacy he leaves behind for the people of Nottingham.

Bernard’s early life and career

Bernard was born in Leicester in August 1931, into a strong Catholic family. He served as an altar boy at the local church, did well at school, and from an early age wanted to become a priest.

In 1948 Bernard started seven years of training and was ordained priest in 1955 at the Church of the Twelve Apostles in Rome.

From this point, Bernard had a prolific career. He served at the Cathedral in Nottingham for a year before joining the staff of St Hugh’s College, in Tollerton. In the early 1960’s he went to Downing College in Cambridge to study history, and afterwards gained a teaching qualification in London.

In 1967, the Bishop then appointed him to establish the Catholic Chaplaincy at Nottingham University. Bernard stayed at the University for twenty-five years and was a remarkable presence there.

Bernard’s legacy

It was during his time at the University, that Bernard set up Nottinghamshire Hospice. He held positions of Chair, then President and then Honorary President for the Hospice.

Nottinghamshire Hospice has continued to thrive and develop for more than four decades, and has helped tens of thousands of families across Nottinghamshire.

Bernard retired as a parish priest and a University chaplain in 1992.

Bernard trained as a psychotherapist, and married Helen in 1998 – enjoying more than twenty-five years of happy marriage, living life to the full. 

Bernard continued to be actively involved in Nottinghamshire Hospice, and latterly served as wise counsel to the board of trustees.

He is also remembered by many in the community as an excellent sportsman with a warm personality and great generosity.

Words from Bernard

We interviewed Bernard as part of our 40-year anniversary celebrations in 2020. Here’s what he had to say about the Hospice:

“Setting up the hospice was an act of faith, relying on the generosity of the people of Nottinghamshire who just delivered, and to this day they continue to do that.  We had no money, no premises, no patients, but right from those early days we had tremendous support.”

“It’s always been a project very close to my heart. It is a special place. A place of life. It has a special energy about it – it always has done, even in those early days. Everyone who’s been involved with it over the years says the same. They never forget it. We’re privileged to be associated with it. I still have the fondest memories of the hospice and all the ups and downs we had at the beginning.”

Remembering Bernard

Bernard developed memory problems in recent years but continued to enjoy life and good health until quite recently. He died unexpectedly and peacefully in Nottingham on the 22 October 2024 at the age of 93.

Rachel Hucknall, Chief Executive at Nottinghamshire Hospice, said: “The Hospice would not exist if it wasn’t for the efforts of Bernard over 40 years ago. Thousands of people have him to thank for the compassionate end-of-life care they’ve received from us, and will continue to receive for many years to come.”

Joanne Brunner, Chair of the Board of Trustees at Nottinghamshire Hospice, added: “Having known Bernard for a number of years, I know his loss will be felt deeply by the whole Nottinghamshire community. Nottinghamshire Hospice is grateful to his support and counsel over the years, and knows his legacy will live on thanks to the great work he did supporting those in need of care and support.”

An evening reception will be held at St. Barnabas Cathedral on Tuesday 19th November 2024 at 7:00pm. A Requiem Mass of Thanksgiving for Bernard will take place at St. Barnabas Cathedral on Wednesday 20th November 2024 at 10:30am, followed by interment in Beeston Cemetery. 

Donations in lieu of flowers may be made for Nottinghamshire Hospice. These may be left after the service or sent online via www.lymn.co.uk/obituaries.

The thoughts and well wishes of everyone at the Hospice are with Bernard’s family and friends.

Read more about the Hospice’s History, the full interview with Bernard on our 40-year anniversary, and our current Board of Trustees and Senior Leaders: Hospice celebrates 40 years: interview with founder Bernard Brady – Nottinghamshire Hospice