Our CEO is starting a blog

St Mary’s Hospice is excited to announce that our CEO, Catherine Burn, will be starting a brand-new blog, offering a behind-the-scenes glimpse into her work, the people she meets, and the many ways our hospice makes a difference every day. From sharing her experiences in the community to highlighting the inspiring connections she makes along the way, the blog will be a space to celebrate all things St Mary’s and bring supporters even closer to the heart of our mission. You can follow her on LinkedIn for weekly updates.

Here’s what Catherine had to say in her first post:

I’ve been CEO at St Mary’s for almost a year now, and in that time I’ve seen more compassion, courage, and kindness than I ever imagined possible.

Every single day, I witness moments that remind me just how special this organisation is. Sometimes it’s a nurse offering comfort at a patient’s bedside, a volunteer sharing a warm welcome with a family, or a fundraiser going the extra mile to support an event.

Other times, it’s the unseen but vital work — from finance to facilities, HR to housekeeping, retail to fundraising — that keeps everything running smoothly and makes the care possible.

These may not always feel like extraordinary acts, but they are. Each one matters, and together they are what make St Mary’s such a remarkable place.

I’ve decided to start a blog to share more of these stories — not only the moments of care that touch people’s lives so deeply, but also the lessons I’ve learned from all of you.

Hospice care is so much more than the final days of life. It’s about living fully, being treated with dignity, and being supported by a whole organisation working with a shared purpose.

Over the coming months, I’ll be writing about what hospice care really means, shining a light on the incredible people across every part of St Mary’s who make it possible, and reflecting on what I’ve learned from leading such a dedicated and passionate team.

This blog is my way of opening the doors a little wider so others can see what I see every day: an organisation full of compassion, humanity, and strength — with every role, every department, and every individual making a difference.