Category: Press Release

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.  

Celebrity Joe Garrett opens St Christopher’s 24th Charity Shop as Hospice Bucks high Street Trends with Ambitious Retail Expansion

Posted on by St Christopher's

Saturday 12 September – St Christopher’s hospice has officially opened a new store on Eltham High Street, bringing affordable pre-loved shopping to the local community while generating vital income to support hospice care across south east London.

The new shop forms part of St Christopher’s wider retail strategy, with plans to open at least three additional shops each year over the next three years. This would see the hospice add at least nine new stores to its current network of 24, increasing its retail estate by 37.5%.

The expansion comes at a time when many high street retailers are facing significant challenges, including rising operating costs, changing consumer habits and reduced footfall. While other major charity retailers are shrinking their estates, St Christopher’s is moving firmly in the opposite direction. The British Heart Foundation has announced plans to close 150 of its 640 shops, a reduction of almost a quarter (23%) of its retail estate, while Cancer Research UK has reduced its retail presence by around 22%.

St Christopher’s continued investment reflects its confidence in the power of charity retail to generate sustainable funding for hospice care, meet growing demand for affordable and environmentally conscious shopping, and help revitalise local high streets.

Joe Garratt, Presenter and Love Island Star, said: “I’m delighted to be opening St Christopher’s new Eltham charity shop and helping celebrate such an exciting moment for the hospice. Having grown up in south east London, it’s great to see an organisation investing in local high streets and creating spaces that bring communities together.

“I’ve always loved fashion and sustainable style, so it’s brilliant to see a charity shop offering people the chance to pick up unique pre-loved finds while supporting an incredible cause at the same time.

“What really makes this shop special is the difference it will make. Every item donated, every purchase and every volunteer hour helps St Christopher’s continue providing vital care and support to local people and their families when they need it most. I’m proud to be here to support the opening and encourage everyone to come down, have a look around and get involved.”

Celebrity Joe Garrett inside Eltham charity shop holding clothes at the checkout
  • Celebrity Joe Garrett inside Eltham charity shop holding a trilby style hat over his head, in front of a row of hats
  • Celebrity Joe Garrett browsing in clothing aisles at Eltham charity shop

Top: Celebrity Joe Garrett opens Eltham High Street store. Above: Joe Garrett explores the store.

Dan Moore, Head of Trading at St Christopher’s Hospice, said:  “The opening of our Eltham shop is another exciting milestone in St Christopher’s retail journey. At a time when many retailers are reducing their presence on the high street, we are proud to be investing in local communities and growing our charity shop network.

“Our shops play a vital role in supporting our hospice services, generating essential income that helps fund specialist care and support for people living with life-limiting illnesses, as well as support for families, carers and those facing bereavement. Every purchase, donation and Gift Aid contribution helps make that care possible.

“Charity retail has never been more important. As well as raising sustainable income for hospice care, our shops support local high streets, encourage reuse and sustainable shopping, and create welcoming community spaces where people can connect, volunteer and make a difference.

“We are delighted to become part of the Eltham community and look forward to welcoming local residents through our doors.”

The new Eltham shop offers a wide range of pre-loved fashion, accessories, homeware, books and unique items, providing local residents with affordable and sustainable shopping options while helping to raise funds for hospice care.

Joe Garrett cutting the ribbon in the entrance of Eltham High Street charity shop with hospice banners and people clapping either side of him

Above: Celebrity Joe Garrett cuts the ribbon at Eltham High Street store.

Media statement: St Christopher’s responds to assisted dying vote in Westminster

Posted on by St Christopher's

Following MPs vote to reject the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill on Friday 11 September, St Christopher’s Hospice – the home of the modern hospice movement – is urging the Government and MPs to ensure high-quality palliative and end of life care is available to everyone who needs it. 

St Christopher’s remains neutral on whether the law should change. However, the debate has underlined a point on which the Prime Minister Andy Burnham and MPs across parties and on both sides of the argument have agreed: people approaching the end of life must have access to properly funded hospice and palliative care. 

Steve Smith, Chief Executive of St Christopher’s, says: 

“Today’s vote does not change the urgent need to improve funding for hospice and palliative care.  

“Whatever the future of the assisted dying debate, everyone approaching the end of life should be able to access high-quality care, wherever they live and regardless of their circumstances. 

“St Christopher’s remains neutral on whether the law should change, but the Government must now follow through on the cross-party recognition of the pressures facing hospices by delivering fair, sustainable and consistent funding before more services are forced to close or cut back.” 

Media statement: Assisted Dying debate must be matched by urgent action on hospice funding

Posted on by St Christopher's

Ahead of the House of Commons vote on the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill on Friday 11 September, St Christopher’s Hospice – the home of the modern hospice movement – is urging the Government and MPs to ensure high-quality palliative and end of life care is available to everyone who needs it. 

St Christopher’s remains neutral on whether the law should change. However, the debate has underlined a point on which the Prime Minister Andy Burnham and MPs across parties and on both sides of the argument have agreed: people approaching the end of life must have access to properly funded hospice and palliative care. 

Steve Smith, Chief Executive of St Christopher’s, says: 

“St Christopher’s is neutral on whether the law should change, but we’re clear that everyone at the end of life should have access to high-quality palliative and end of life care. 

“Right now, hospice funding is not sustainable. Nearly 60% of hospices have made or are considering cuts to frontline services, while demand continues to rise. At St Christopher’s, demand in south London has increased by nearly 50% over the past six years, and our teams completed 13% more home visits in the last year alone. 

“We have protected our services so far, but the pressure for many hospices is immediate. In south London, our communities generously raise tens of millions of pounds each year, but charitable giving cannot substitute for a fair, sustainable national funding settlement. 

“Whatever MPs decide on Assisted Dying, investment in hospices must be treated as an urgent priority in the new modern service framework for palliative care.  

“The Government should fully fund specialist palliative care commissioned by the NHS, provide fair multi-year contracts that rise with costs, establish consistent funding across the country and enable hospices to match NHS pay awards. 

“Politicians must now follow through on their support for hospice and palliative care and deliver fair funding before more services are forced to close or cut back. 

“Whatever happens after the votes are counted, we want to reassure our community that we will continue to be delivering high-quality palliative and end of life care across south London for everyone who needs it.” 

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.

St Christopher’s Hospice Welcomes the Deputy Civic Mayor of Croydon for Official Visit  

Posted on by St Christopher's

The Deputy Civic Mayor met with the hospice’s Care Director, Amanda Mayo, Director of Inclusion and Social Innovation, Mary Hodgson, and other clinical and community staff as he was shown around the hospice. 

During the visit, the Deputy Civic Mayor heard about St Christopher’s work across Croydon, including its Death Literacy Project facilitated by the Community Action team. The project helps local people feel more confident talking about death, dying and loss, and understand the support available to them and their families.  

Through workshops, Compassionate Chats, hospice awareness sessions and visits to the hospice, Croydon residents can learn more about end-of-life care, ask questions in a safe and supportive space, and find out what help is available for them and their families. 

Amanda Mayo, Care Director of St Christopher’s, says: “It was a pleasure to welcome the Deputy Civic Mayor to St Christopher’s and to showcase the important work our hospice carries out for the community.  

“Community engagement is at the heart of everything we do. Through our work across southeast London, we aim to build strong relationships, raise awareness of the support available and ensure that people from all backgrounds feel informed, included and able to access the care they need. 

“Visits such as this are an important opportunity to highlight the vital role hospices play in supporting patients, families and communities every day.” 

  • Deputy Civic Mayor of Croydon Councillor Scott Roche talks with Amanda Mayo in the arts pavillion while a member of staff in a red tshirt and pink satin bandana watches them
  • Deputy Civic Mayor of Croydon Councillor Scott Roche talks with Amanda Mayo outside the door to Nuffield Ward while a member of staff in a red tshirt and pink satin bandana watches them

The Deputy Civic Mayor also saw firsthand St Christopher’s Inpatient Unit, which recently underwent a £3.6 million upgrade, of which more than £2 million came from the government’s emergency funding for hospices, announced in December 2024. 

The upgrades at St Christopher’s focused on improving the look and feel of the Inpatient Unit, making rooms bigger and more homely, and addressing essential infrastructure issues in a building that is almost 60 years old. 

The work also included enhancing staff areas for dedicated teams and installing a hoist system so people can be moved more safely and comfortably, whilst also protecting staff. 

The Deputy Civic Mayor, said: ” It was a privilege to visit St Christopher’s Hospice and I did not expect to have such a positive and memorable experience. I learnt about the incredible work delivered with kindness and dignity that makes a real difference and significant impact on family, friends and loved ones. The emotional and practical support offered and most notably bereavement support to those left behind was something that St Christopher’s does so well. They ensure that nobody should face these issues alone and the team of employees and volunteers offer compassion and commitment at times when people need it most. The impact of their work makes a difference to individuals, their loved ones and the wider communities here in Croydon.” 

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.