Author: Charlotte Cohen

Reddit Employees Roll Up Their Sleeves to Support St Christopher’s Charity Shops

Posted on by Charlotte Cohen

Around 10 Reddit employees volunteer across charity shops to support St Christopher’s, the home of the modern hospice movement 

St Christopher’s was delighted to welcome employees from Reddit who are volunteering their time across the charity’s retail network, helping to support the vital work of the leading hospice, Friday 25 September. 

The team spent the day volunteering in a number of St Christopher’s charity shops, assisting with tasks including sorting donations, merchandising stock, preparing items for sale and supporting shop teams. Their efforts will help generate essential funds that enable St Christopher’s to continue providing expert hospice care and support to people living with life-limiting illnesses, as well as their families and carers. 

Corporate volunteering programmes like this play an important role in supporting St Christopher’s shops, which rely on the generosity of volunteers, donors and supporters to help fund the charity’s services across south east London. 

Joanne Carroll, Relationship Development Manager, St Christopher’s, said “We are incredibly grateful to the Reddit team for choosing to spend their time volunteering with us and for bringing so much enthusiasm, energy and support to our shops. 

“Welcoming their team including their Executive Vice President into our shops has made a real difference. From sorting and processing donations to preparing stock for sale and supporting customers, their hard work has helped our teams immensely and will have a lasting impact on the communities we serve. Every item sold in our shops helps fund the vital care and support St Christopher’s provides to local people and their loved ones, so the contribution made by the Reddit team will directly help us continue delivering that care. 

 “This volunteering day marks the start of what we hope will be a fantastic and long-lasting relationship with Reddit. We are excited to have them as supporters of St Christopher’s and look forward to exploring more opportunities to work together in the future.” 

Jaina, Reddit Volunteer, said: “Thank you so much for such a great day! Thank you for welcoming us so well into the Streatham shop.  I feel so grateful for the opportunity to support such a great cause and give back to the community. My favourite part of the day was definitely styling the windows and learning all about the great work that the hospice is doing.”

St Christopher’s charity shops offer a sustainable way for people to donate, shop and support their local community, with proceeds helping to fund specialist care for thousands of people each year. 

St Christopher’s currently operates 23 charity shops, with the opening of their latest Eltham store bringing its retail network to 24 shops The hospice plans to open at least three new shops each year over the next three years, demonstrating its commitment to growing sustainable income and investing in local communities. 

From supporting our charity shops to fundraising and partnership opportunities, your team can make a real difference to local people and families. For more information about a corporate volunteering day with St Christopher’s email corporatepartnerships@stchristophers.org.uk.  

Nurse Leader Honoured with International Human Rights and Nursing Award 

Posted on by Charlotte Cohen

Dr Halima Ibrahim Malik Ali, a nurse leader,  affiliated with St Christopher’s, from Sudan who is helping to improve care and support for patients and communities in her home country, has been awarded a prestigious 2026 Human Rights and Nursing Award in recognition of her commitment to human rights, patient dignity and social advocacy. 

The international award, presented in association with the journal Nursing Ethics, recognises nurses who champion human rights, advocate for vulnerable communities and drive positive change in healthcare, often in challenging and resource-limited settings. 

Dr Halima was nominated by colleagues who highlighted her leadership, professional achievements and dedication to improving access to compassionate and equitable care. Following an international selection process, the Human Rights and Nursing Awards Selection Committee named her as one of this year’s recipients. 

A distinguished community health nursing professional, Dr Halima served as Palliative Care Coordinator at Sudan’s National Cancer Institute between 2016 and 2023 and became Director of Hospice Port Sudan in 2024. She is a member of International Health Palliative Care (IHPC), the Global Palliative Care Organizations Network (GPON) and the Palliative Care Fellowship Program, and is a certified consultant in the global assessment and monitoring of palliative care programmes. 

As part of the award, Dr Halima will receive international recognition alongside funding to support the continued development of her work, helping extend the impact of her project within local communities and beyond. 

Dr Halima has a long-standing relationship with St Christopher’s through its international leadership and education programmes. She is an active member of the Global Palliative Nursing Network (GPNN), has previously taken part in a St Christopher’s leadership programme and this week begins St Christopher’s WHO-related leadership course after recently being selected to join the programme. 

Dr Halima Ibrahim Malik Ali said: “Receiving an award that honours both human rights and nursing is incredibly meaningful to me. As a nurse from Sudan, I have seen firsthand the extraordinary dedication of healthcare professionals working in the most challenging circumstances, often overcoming conflict, shortages and limited resources to ensure patients receive the care and dignity they deserve. 

This recognition is not only a personal honour but a tribute to the countless nurses in Sudan and around the world whose compassion, resilience and advocacy make a profound difference every day. Nursing has always been more than a profession to me. It is a commitment to standing alongside people at their most vulnerable and ensuring that every person is treated with dignity, respect and humanity. 

I am especially proud that this award shines a light on the vital connection between healthcare and human rights. It renews my determination to continue supporting patients, championing equitable access to care, and helping to educate the next generation of nurses. I hope it serves as a reminder that even when the work may seem unseen, the impact nurses have on individuals, families and communities is truly life-changing.” 

Marie Cooper, Senior Nurse Advisor at St Christopher’s, said: “We are absolutely thrilled that Dr Halima has received this international recognition. Her commitment to improving care, advocating for patients’ rights and supporting communities in Sudan exemplifies the values at the heart of nursing. The fact that she was nominated by her peers from withing the GPNN and selected by an international judging panel makes this achievement particularly special. We are incredibly proud of all that she has accomplished and look forward to supporting her continued leadership journey.” 

The award was formally presented at the International Nursing Ethics Conference at the University of Regina, Canada, on 27 and 28 August 2026, where nursing professionals, academics and healthcare leaders from around the world gathered to discuss ethical practice and celebrate excellence in nursing. 

Dr Halima’s recognition shines a spotlight on the vital role nurses play in advancing dignity, equality and human rights and demonstrates the transformative impact of leadership and advocacy in healthcare across the globe. 

National Dog Day: Dogs Bring Comfort, Connection and Joy to Hospice Patients  

Posted on by Charlotte Cohen

National Dog Day is a chance to celebrate the special role dogs play in people’s lives and recognise the comfort and companionship they provide on Wednesday 26 August. 

At St Christopher’s Hospice, Pets As Therapy (PAT) dogs are helping to make a meaningful difference to people receiving end-of-life care, bringing moments of happiness, connection and calm during some of life’s most challenging times. 

St Christopher’s has three dogs who regularly visit the Inpatient Unit, offering companionship and emotional support to patients, families and staff. The dogs, Wilson, Asta and Rusty are all assessed and approved by national charity Pets As Therapy (PAT). 

Among the volunteers helping patients is Nadine, who visits the hospice each week with Asta, her six-year-old Lurcher. Sandra, Wilson’s owner visit the hospice on a weekly basis and Becca visits the wards with her dog Rusty.

During visits, the dogs spend time with patients across the hospice’s three wards and occasionally join therapy sessions. Some visits last only a few minutes, while others involve spending longer with patients and families, creating opportunities for conversation, reminiscence and connection. 

Nadine said: “I love seeing the difference Asta can make when we visit the hospice. His presence can bring a smile to someone’s face and it’s lovely to see patients, their families, and their friends relax as they talk to or stroke him. His visits can also spark conversations about much-loved pets and happy memories. 

“Having a dog around can provide a welcome distraction and give patients and their families something positive to focus on, even if it’s just for a few minutes. It’s incredibly rewarding to see the comfort and connection Asta can bring and I feel very lucky to be able to share him with people at such an important time in their lives.” 

Emily Alcock, Ward Manager at St Christopher’s Hospice, said: “PAT dogs play a valuable role in enhancing wellbeing, providing comfort and emotional support to people facing the challenges of end-of-life care. We are fortunate to have three PAT dogs regularly visiting our hospice, where they bring companionship and moments of joy to patients, families and staff alike. We are extremely grateful to the dogs, their owners and Pets As Therapy for the positive difference they make every day.” 

National Dog Day is an opportunity to recognise not only the dogs themselves, but also the volunteers who generously give their time to help others. At St Christopher’s Hospice, PAT dogs like Wilson, Asta and Rusty continue to create moments of comfort, connection and happiness that can make a lasting difference for patients and their loved ones. 

St Christopher’s welcomes new volunteers throughout the year and offers a wide range of roles to suit different interests, skills, and availability. 

To find out about volunteering opportunites at St Christopher’s see here for more information.

Actress Linda Murphy Regan and Celebrity Friends Donates Specialist Bed to St Christopher’s Hospice in Memory of Husband Brian Murphy

Posted on by Charlotte Cohen

Actress Linda Murphy Regan, best known for her roles in Hi-de-Hi!, The Bill and Heartbeat, has donated a specialist falls bed to St Christopher’s Hospice in memory of her late husband, actor Brian Murphy, who was cared for by the hospice in the final weeks of his life. 

Brian Murphy was widely loved for his roles in George & Mildred and Last of the Summer Wine. The donation honours his memory while helping St Christopher’s provide comfort and dignity to patients receiving end-of-life care. 

The specialist bed which has many safety features including an alarm, was funded through a memorial fundraising event organised by Linda and friends from the entertainment industry. Together they run The Grand Order of the Lady Ratlings which helps others in need and raise necessary funds by hosting a variety of events.  

The new bed has now been delivered to St Christopher’s Hospice, where Linda was joined by friends and fellow TV actors Vicki Michelle (‘Allo ‘Allo!) and Debbie McGee (The Paul Daniels Magic Show), Vicky Bailey (a trustee of their charity) and dog Frendy for a presentation ceremony to mark the donation. 

Linda and Brian were married for 36 years after meeting on the set of A Wife Begins at Forty. When Brian’s health deteriorated due to extensive bone metastases caused by prostate cancer, suddenly at the end of 2024, the couple were referred to St Christopher’s Hospice for support. 

Linda, said: “I can recall how quickly St Christopher’s stepped in to support us. Brian wanted to stay at home and they made that possible. The nurses came three times a day. Their care, their gentleness and their respect meant everything. 

“One of the most important pieces of support provided by the hospice was a specialist adjustable bed, which helped ease Brian’s discomfort and enabled him to remain at home. The nurses were so careful when turning him, always trying to minimise discomfort. They even made sure his moustache, which he was very proud of, was kept neat. Their compassion stayed with me. 

“I wanted to give something back to St Christopher’s and, given our experience, a bed felt like the most appropriate way to do so.” 

Amanda Mayo, Care Director at St Christopher’s Hospice, said: “Linda’s generosity will make a profound difference to the comfort and dignity of people in our care. This gift is a wonderful tribute to Brian and reflects the compassion and kindness that underpin hospice care. We are deeply grateful for Linda’s support and to everyone who contributed to making this donation possible.” 

Following Brian’s death, Linda also received bereavement support from St Christopher’s Hospice, helping her navigate life after her loss. 

To support St Christopher’s Hospice and help ensure expert end-of-life care is available to those who need it most, donate here. For more information about our bereavement services, practical resources and support available to patients, families and carers, visit our website.

Unpaid carers who grieve before bereavement could get dedicated support for the first time 

Posted on by Charlotte Cohen

The first dedicated support tool for unpaid carers who grieve for an older person they care for before they have died is being developed by a team led by the University of Surrey. Grief before bereavement is a form of distress that affects an estimated one in four carers, which is rarely recognised and almost entirely unsupported. 

The 18-month study, funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR), is led by Dr Richard Green and Dr Sarah Combes from Surrey, who will work with St Christopher’s Hospice in South London to investigate the anticipatory grief experiences of unpaid adult carers looking after older people with complex health conditions. The team will then start to co-design a practical intervention to help them. 

Anticipatory grief – the psychological distress people experience in anticipation of losing someone – is distinct from bereavement. It can begin with a diagnosis or a gradual decline, and it intensifies as a person’s health deteriorates. For carers of older people with conditions such as severe frailty or multiple long-term illnesses, it can persist for months or years. Despite evidence linking anticipatory grief to poor sleep, anxiety, depression and reduced self-care, it sits largely outside the scope of existing support services, which are built primarily for people after a death has occurred. 

Dr Mary Hodgson, Director of Inclusion & Social Innovation at St Christopher’s Hospice, said: 

“At St Christopher’s, we regularly see unpaid carers experiencing deep emotional strain long before a death occurs. Their anticipatory grief is real but too often overlooked. This research will help better understand these experiences and help shape practical support that reflects the realities of caring for older people with complex conditions. Unpaid carers make an extraordinary contribution, and they deserve recognition and support that truly meets their needs.” 

The study deliberately excludes carers of people with dementia or cancer, where some research already exists, to focus on a population that has been largely overlooked – those caring for older people with multiple chronic conditions or severe frailty, where the trajectory is often slow, uncertain and without clear milestones. 

Dr Richard Green, project lead and Lecturer at the University of Surrey, said: 

“Most support for grief is designed for after someone dies. But for unpaid carers, the losses often begin long before that – of the person’s independence, their recognition, and their capabilities. We want to understand what carers are actually going through and then build something with them that can help. This study is a starting point for that.” 

In the UK, there are an estimated 5.7 million unpaid carers in England. The total value of their contribution is put at £445 million per day, yet many do so at significant cost to their own health and wellbeing. Older carers are at particular risk, managing complex caregiving roles alongside their own ageing-related health challenges. 

The STRENGTH Study (SupporTing REsilieNce Going THrough Anticipatory Grief) will run across three integrated work packages. An integrative literature review will map what is already known. A national survey of at least 200 unpaid carers across England, followed by in-depth interviews with 20 participants, will build a picture of the breadth and depth of carers’ experiences. Those findings will then feed into a consultation process with key stakeholders to develop the building blocks for an anticipatory grief support approach. 

Dr Sarah Combes, project co-lead, Senior Lecturer and NIHR Senior Research Leader: Nursing and Midwifery, at the University of Surrey and St Christopher’s Hospice, said: 

“Carers of older people living with frailty or complex health and care needs often face years of the person they care for gradually declining. The grief that comes with that doesn’t fit neatly into existing interventions or services. This research will help us better understand their experiences, and with them, identify new ways to better meet their needs.” 

The study is part of a broader research programme at Surrey focused on living, ageing and dying well. 

Woman Becomes the Eighth Person in History to Run Around the World, finishing at St Christopher’s Hospice 

Posted on by Charlotte Cohen

Andrea Prais, a 45‑year‑old nurse from Zurich, completed an extraordinary 554 day run around the world, finishing her final steps at St Christopher’s Hospice in London, Saturday 27 July. 

Her achievement placed her among only seven others in recorded history to have completed the global expedition on foot. 

Her run began in London before heading to Land’s End, then crossing Argentina, Chile, the Andes, the United States and back again. She funded most of the journey herself, supported along the way by the kindness of strangers who offered food, shelter and encouragement.  

Her decision to end her global run at St Christopher’s Hospice was deeply personal. Andrea has long admired hospice and palliative care, drawing inspiration from figures such as Dame Cicely Saunders.  

Andrea, said, “This challenge is the most transformative thing I’ve ever done. If people see my achievement and it gets people thinking about death, that is all I ask. I would love for my run to help even one person think differently about life or death, then it was all worth it. 

“I find the world is kinder than we all think. Given all my experience as a nurse and working in oncology I realised more people needed an understanding about palliative care and my journey will hopefully raise awareness. When you talk to people you realise how much we all need the same things: care, understanding and someone to listen. 

“Throughout this journey, Cicely Saunders has travelled with me in spirit. Her vision, and even more so her actions, changed the lives of so many people. Her words, “You matter because you are you, and you matter to the end of your life. We will do all we can not only to help you die peacefully, but also to live until you die” have stayed with me throughout this run. 

“Hospice work always touched me. It’s about dignity, presence and love, so ending my run at St Christopher’s felt right.” 

St Christopher’s spokesperson said: “Andrea’s journey embodied the values at the heart of hospice care; compassion, courage and a deep respect for what matters most to people at the end of life.  

“We were honoured that she chose to finish her extraordinary run with us, and her story will inspire many to think differently about living well and dying well.” 

Andrea completed a morning parkrun before running the final stretch to the hospice, where she was welcomed by supporters, staff and members of the community. 

Founded in 1967 by Dame Cicely Saunders, St Christopher’s Hospice has been at the forefront of modern hospice care for more than five decades. Dame Cicely’s pioneering vision transformed the way society understands and responds to the needs of people at the end of life, making an extraordinary contribution to reducing human suffering. The hospice admitted its first patient on 13 July 1967, with the official opening following shortly after on 24 July. Since then, St Christopher’s has remained a centre of innovation, compassion and expertise. 

Majority of UK adults unaware of support hospices can offer in helping them to achieve their dying wishes

Posted on by Charlotte Cohen
  • Brits top three final experiences revealed as revisiting happy memories or favourite places (33%), being outdoors/in nature (30%) and going abroad or taking one final trip (29%) 
  • But less than a fifth of people (18%) know hospices support people to achieve these goals 
  • Andy Samuel, from London, was able to walk his daughter down the aisle thanks to the support of St Christopher’s Hospice. 

New research commissioned by St Christopher’s Hospice reveals the majority of Brits are unaware of the support they can receive from hospices at the end of life in achieving their bucket list goals.   

What matters most to Brits at the end of life is revisiting happy memories or favourite places (33%), getting outdoors or in nature (30%) or going abroad or taking one final trip (29%).  

But less than a fifth (18%) of people know that hospices and palliative care providers support people in maintaining their hobbies and interests just 21% of people know they help you to remain involved with social activities and community events. 

This What Matters To You Day on 2 June, St Christopher’s is raising awareness of the vital work hospices do in helping people to achieve what matters to them at the end of life. Staff and volunteers at the hospice ask everyone who needs their support ‘what matters to you?’ and then the team works hard to help them achieve it.  

Helena Talbot-Rice, Rehabilitation and Wellbeing Lead at St Christopher’s says:  

“Hospices are so different from what people expect. We work with rehabilitation at the front of our minds so we can help people to achieve their goals. It could be supporting people to able to get back out into the garden or walk to the shops, or it could be helping them to get back on their bike or even go on one last family holiday.  

“By asking people ‘what matters to you’, we shift the question away from simply asking ‘what’s the matter with you’ and this can have a profound impact on a person’s engagement and overall experience, leading to increased trust, meaningful support and improved experiences. It is about offering truly person-centred care.” 

“Once we’ve asked that question, our job is to listen and then where possible, act. Answers can range from wanting to be able to dance with their partners to going for a swim to having their hair cut.  

“We’ve had some incredible stories where people have been able to achieve exactly what they wanted before they die.” 

St Christopher’s is part of the international ‘What Matters To You’ movement and delivers palliative and end of life care to people across south east London, as well as supporting their loved ones and carers and providing bereavement support to both adults and children.  

17% of UK adults said that they would most want to walk their child down the aisle if they didn’t have much time left but most Brits don’t realise that is something a hospice can help make to happen. 

For Andy Samuel, from Croydon, what mattered most was being able to attend his daughter’s wedding to do just that. 

He was able to thanks to the support of St Christopher’s Hospice staff who joined him at the ceremony. 

For Andy, 65, this was no small challenge. Partly paralysed down one side, living with renal failure since the 1980s, and diagnosed with cancer in 2022, his health had declined significantly over the past year. Supported at home by St Christopher’s community palliative care team, Andy required complex daily care and specialist support. 

Yet in October 2025, pushed in his wheelchair by his wife Alison, Andy was able to be alongside their daughter Hannah as she got married. 

“I was just so grateful to the hospice that they could come with him,” Alison said. “It took such a weight off my shoulders.” 

“It was wonderful for Hannah to have him there. It’s of course not what you envision when you are a little girl imagining your dad walking down the aisle, but it was so special. I don’t think it mattered, what mattered was that he was there,” Alison said. “Everyone was crying, I was crying, he’s such a well-loved man.” 

The couple had been planning how to get Andy to the wedding since Hannah’s husband asked them for their blessing of his plans to propose in November 2024. 

He receives regular visits and calls from community nurses and other professionals, and benefits from music therapy as part of the hospice’s holistic approach to wellbeing. 

“He really enjoyed it,” Alison says, adding: “The support St Christopher’s has offered us has been fantastic, from the basic care needs to the above-and-beyond care of getting Andy to our Hannah’s wedding.”  

Eli and his wife Maria have also been supported by the hospice. 

Eli, 53 from Southwark, and a nurse by profession, was diagnosed with advanced-stage cancer after initially seeking help for a persistent cough. Before his diagnosis, Eli was an active cyclist, regularly riding long distances each week.  

At one stage, the pain and treatment made him think he might never return to cycling.  

With improved pain management and encouragement from the St Christopher’s team, he has started using an exercise bike again at home.  

“They consider everything, not just one part of your illness. It’s all aspects of your life, and they involve your family as well.” 

“Cycling again makes me feel more normal,” he says. “Like I still have a purpose. Even just being able to get on the bike again is a big step.” 

“As long as I can get outside and enjoy some fresh air, that means a lot.” 

To find out more about the support offered by St Christopher’s visit the St Christophers Website to see a list of services, stories and guidance on hospice care. 

St Christopher’s Celebrates more than 1200 Volunteers donating 269,776 hours of support a year 

Posted on by Charlotte Cohen

The charity is recognising the dedication, compassion, and generosity of the 1,297 volunteers who donate 269,776 hours of support per year – a testament to their ongoing commitment and the vital role they play in delivering our services. 

From providing companionship to patients and families, to supporting bereavement services, fundraising, retail, and community outreach, volunteers play an essential role in helping St Christopher’s deliver outstanding care across the community. 

The charity is supported by a strong and dedicated volunteer community, with 1,297 volunteers currently giving their time to support our work. As always, trading volunteers remain the largest group, with 671 individuals contributing across our retail network.  

Clare Hodder, Strategic Volunteer Partner at St Christopher’s, said: “Volunteers’ Week is an important opportunity to recognise and celebrate the incredible people who give their time, skills, and kindness to support our hospice.  

“Volunteers are at the heart of everything we do, bringing compassion, warmth and a sense of community to patients, families, and staff every single day. The difference they make is huge, and we are so grateful for every hour they give. We simply couldn’t do what we do without volunteers. Volunteers’ Week is a chance for us to say a huge and heartfelt thank you for everything they do.” 

One of those volunteers is Maureen, who supports St Christopher’s bereavement service. 

Maureen, volunteer, said: “Being able to support someone through their grief is a privilege. People often come to us at one of the hardest moments in their lives, and just being there to listen can make such a difference. Charities like St Christopher’s rely on volunteers to keep these vital services going. It means a lot to know that my time can help someone feel less alone.” 

Throughout Volunteers’ Week, St Christopher’s will be celebrating its volunteers with a series of events, thank you messages, and stories highlighting the impact they make every day. 

St Christopher’s welcomes new volunteers throughout the year and offers a wide range of roles to suit different interests, skills, and availability. 

To find out about volunteering opportunity at St Christopher’s see here for more information. 

St Christopher’s Fun Walk raises £190,000 so far as thousands take part in 2026 event

Posted on by Charlotte Cohen

More than 2,000 people took part in the charity’s biggest fundraising event of the year, walking up to 11 miles each through Bromley’s woodlands and open countryside in support of their local hospice.

This year’s walk featured a number of powerful community stories. One family walked with around 150 friends and relatives in memory of their son, while a team of hospice nurses and clinicians completed the challenge together to raise funds for the patients and families they care for every day.

Along the route, walkers passed the event’s poignant Memory Tree, where participants could dedicate a heart to someone who had died. More than 450 hearts were placed on the tree in a moving display of remembrance.

The event offered four route options, 3, 5, 7 or 11 miles, starting and finishing at Keston Common. Fairground stalls, pop‑up shops, food and drink, games, and live music kept families entertained throughout the day, with dogs also welcome to join the walk. Participants signed up individually or as part of a team, with each group receiving an online fundraising page to track donations and compete for the top fundraising spot.

Karen, mother of Scott, who died at the hospice, said: “We joined thousands of others at St Christopher’s Fun Walk this year because the hospice was there for our son, Scott, when he needed them.

“St Christopher’s relies on its community to raise vital funds to deliver their expert care, and so after taking part last year with 44 of us, this year it was our dream to have a team of 150 of Scott’s friends, family and colleagues walking in his memory.

“Fun Walk is a wonderful way to support your local hospice and enjoy a fun‑filled day out. There’s so much happening across the site, with games, stalls and food and drink, and it’s also a chance to share stories and memories of those who are no longer with us.

“I know Scott would be so proud of us, as we were so proud of him.”

Head of Fundraising at St Christopher’s, Christine Davies, said: “We were absolutely thrilled to return to Keston Common for our annual Fun Walk. It’s one of the highlights of our year, bringing together thousands of supporters from across south London for a day full of energy, connection and purpose.

“Whether people walked with friends, brought the family, or joined us for the first time, they were part of something truly special. The walk reminded us how powerful it is when our community comes together, there was laughter, music, entertainment and a real sense of belonging.

“Now more than ever, events like this play a vital role in helping us raise the funds needed to provide crucial end‑of‑life care for local people, as well as support for their families and carers. Every step taken on the day made a meaningful difference. We’re so grateful to everyone who took part and helped us raise such an incredible total.”

St Christopher’s announces new partnership with Barratt London

Posted on by Charlotte Cohen
Two women are holding a large cardboard cheque in the reception of St Christopher's, they are both smiling, the woman on the left has a flowery top, the woman on the right has a suit jacket on

The new partnership and £1,500 donation will support the charity’s specialist palliative and end‑of‑life care for people within the community. The charity provides specialist palliative care and high‑quality end‑of‑life support to local people and their families.

Founded in 1967 by Dame Cicely Saunders and recognised as the world’s first modern hospice, St Christopher’s now supports more than 7,500 people each year across Bromley, Croydon, Lambeth, Lewisham and Southwark.

While the hospice provides care for inpatients, the majority of its work takes place directly within the local community.

As are a charity, St Christopher’s provide care and services free of charge. Though partially funded by the NHS, the majority of running costs are very generously met by public donations. Each year, we need to raise over £16million.

Tom Abbott, Director of Income Generation and Communications at St Christopher’s Hospice, said: “We are extremely grateful to Barratt London for their £1,500 contribution.

“This funding directly supports our work with people in the community who are facing the most challenging moments of their lives. As a charity, we rely on the generosity of organisations like Barratt London to sustain and grow our services, and their support demonstrates a meaningful commitment to local people and high‑quality end‑of‑life care.

“We look forward to building on this partnership and working together to support even more people.”

Yolanda Jacob-Foster, Director of Sales and Marketing at Barratt London, said: “St Christopher’s Hospice plays a vital role in the community, delivering specialist care and support to people and families across south London. We are proud to support an organisation with such a strong legacy and meaningful impact in the areas where we build.”

For more information about St Christopher’s Hospice, please visit https://www.stchristophers.org.uk/.