Dame Cicely Saunders Memorial Service

A Service of Thanksgiving for the life of Dame Cicely Saunders, Founder and President of St Christopher’s Hospice was held at Westminster Abbey at 12noon on 8 March 2006.

The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh were represented by Princess Alexandra, patron of St Christopher’s.  The Archbishop of Canterbury and Lord Mayor of London, Councillor Tim Joiner were amongst the 2,000 people attending.

Canon Robert Wright officiated, assisted by the Reverend Deiniol Morgan.  The Reverend Hilary Johnson, a Trustee of St Christopher’s Hospice, led the prayers assisted by the Reverend Andrew Goodhead, Spiritual Care Lead at St Christopher’s. 

Professor Irene Higginson, Scientific Director, The Cicely Saunders Foundation and Dr Penelope Lacey (niece) read the lessons and Barbara Monroe, St Christopher’s Hospice Chief Executive read The Road to Gethesmane from The Stature of Waiting 1982 by William Hubuert Vanstone.  click here to read The Road to Gethesmane

Dr Robert Twycross, Emeritus Clinical Reader in Palliative Medicine, Oxford University paid tribute to the work of Dame Cicely and recalled his meeting with Dame Cicely in Bristol in 1963.
 click here to read his tribute


Dr Sam Klagsbrun, Medical Director, Four Winds Hospital, Katonah, New York recounted his first meeting with Dame Cicely and paid tribute to her work and vision.
 click here to read his tribute

Liz Bradnam, Deputy Ward Manager at St Christopher''s, Dr Barbara Gomes and Mr David Olivier, Director of Education at St Christopher''s Hospice took part in the service and led the Act of Rededication of Dame Cicely''s vision.


Mr Damaina Falkowski (violin) and Mr Robert Quinney (organ) played from the Lark Ascending by Ralph Vaughan Williams.