A huge thank you to everyone who attended our first Compassionate Companies meeting of 2026.
We gathered in the café at Stollers Furniture World on Walney Road in Barrow-in-Furness, where the Stollers team provided delicious breakfast sandwiches and coffee.
St Mary’s Head of Fundraising and Communications, Helen Carlson, opened the session by welcoming attendees. Our new Corporate Partnerships Manager, Esmie Pllana, then introduced herself and shared her plans for the coming months as she steps into her new role.
Lorna Simpson, Dementia Activity Coordinator at St Mary’s Hospice Community Hub, offered insights into our dementia services and invited guests to take part in activities designed to boost cognitive function.
Stollers Director, Lee Stoller, also spoke about how a well-established business like Stollers chooses to partner with a local cause such as St Mary’s.
It was wonderful to see so many of our valued corporate supporters and planning is already underway for our next Compassionate Companies meet-up.
Our Compassionate Companies Network celebrates and connects organisations that support our work. We meet several times a year, providing opportunities for local professionals to network, build connections and stay informed about what we do. We also offer a range of ways for organisations to get involved with St Mary’s, including volunteering and fundraising.
If your business would like to become a Compassionate Company, please email: fundraising@stmaryshospice.org.uk





