Tom Allen visits to launch Hospice UK and People’s Postcode Lottery partnership

The comedian and our ambassador met with patients, staff and volunteers during his visit.

St Christopher’s is proud to have hosted the launch of a new partnership between Hospice UK and the People’s Postcode Lottery.

The partnership includes a £500,000 donation as part of a long-term funding relationship between Hospice UK and the People’s Postcode Lottery, with the money raised going towards promoting and protecting hospice care across the UK.

Our very own ambassador, Tom Allen, announced the donation during a visit to our Sydenham site in which he met with people at the hospice as well as staff and volunteers, including Director of Quality and Innovation, Jan Noble, and Ward Manager, Emily Alcock.

This visit and the partnership announcement was featured in the Daily Mail on Wednesday 4 September, with quotes from Jan and from volunteer Dilip Varma.

Jan Noble, Director of Quality and Innovation at St Christopher’s, said: “Dame Cicely Saunders launched the modern hospice movement with the establishment of St Christopher’s in 1967 and we’re proud that almost 60 years later, we’re providing high quality rehabilitative care at the end of life, helping people live well until they die. But that isn’t possible without the continued support of the public.

“This is why Hospice UK’s campaigning work, and the support from players of People’s Postcode Lottery, is so welcomed by St Christopher’s and other hospices up and down the country.”

Emily Alcock, Nurse and Ward Manager, said: “I love my job, it’s so rewarding to be able to get to know my patients and their families. Hospice care isn’t just about the patient.”

Catherine Bosworth, Director of Income Generation and Grants at Hospice UK, said: “The support from players of People’s Postcode Lottery is invaluable, especially during these challenging times for many hospices.

“With their support, we will make sure that hospices across the UK can continue to deliver the compassionate care that patients and their families need. This will help us achieve our goal of hospice care being available to all who need it, in every community across the UK.”

Lindsay Coulton, Health and Wellbeing Advisor at People’s Postcode Lottery, added: “Hospices provide incredible care and support in our communities, delivered by an amazing network of staff and volunteers. We are proud that our players are helping Hospice UK to ensure these vital services continue to make a difference in the future.”