St Christopher's | St Christopher's - celebrating 50 years

1967

We welcomed our first patient on 13 July 1967.

1969

In 1969, Dr Mary Baines pioneered the first home care team taking St Christopher's care and philosophy out into the community.

1973

HRH Princess Alexandra opened our Education Centre in 1973. Since it’s opening, over 100,000 people have studied with us and we have offered over 5,000 courses.

1984

The St Christopher's international conference held in 1984 had 200 delegates with representatives from 28 countries.

1986

In 1986, the first hospice charity shop was opened in West Wickham.

1990

423 walkers took part in our first Fun Walk on 6 May 1990. They raised £29,000.

1998

Volunteers contributed 2,552 hours each week to the hospice - the equivalent of 72 paid people. St Christopher's is currently supported by over 1,200 volunteers.

1999

Our specialist Child Candle Bereavement Service was launched in 1999. The Service offers counselling for children and young people as well as training and advice.

2001

In 2001 St Christopher’s Hospice received the Conrad N Hilton Humanitarian Prize – the world’s largest humanitarian award. This was presented by Kofi Annan.

2005

Dame Cicely Saunders died peacefully at St Christopher's on Thursday 14 July 2005.

2009

Our Anniversary Centre was officially opened by HRH Princess Alexandra. Open 7 days a week the Centre supports around 150 patients, families and friends every day.

2010

Our Pilgrim Room, a place for quiet meditation and prayer, was opened. It is a space for all to use, regardless of faith.

2011

In 2011, we introduced our Namaste project. This project aims to improve the quality of life of people living with dementia.

2012

Our 2012 Midnight Walk raised an impressive £50,000 with 400 people taking part.

2013

Harris HospisCare merged with St Christopher's in October 2013. When first founded in 1984 Dame Cicely supported the development of Harris HospisCare.

Looking forward

In our 50th anniversary year we are creating something that means generations to come will benefit from the care of St Christopher's. Our new Learning Hub, which will be technologically equipped with flexible spaces, will enable us to train many more people both here and around the world.