Our Story
St Mary’s continues to look forward, delivering our vision of compassionate care to patients and families across South Cumbria. But it’s important never to lose sight of our past.
Here we remember the hard work, generosity and dedication of those who came before, generations handing on the Hospice stronger than they found it. This is Our Story…
This is Our Story…
Where it all Began
The year 1984 saw the beginning of a powerful vision by the founding members: Lord Cavendish, Reverend Nick Gosswin, Margaret Berry, and Clarissa Kavanagh. The relentless efforts of these members in establishing a hospice for South Cumbria inspired a united community that, just four years later in 1988, came together to raise an astonishing £600,000. So St Mary’s Hospice came to be born.
The first major obstacle was that St Mary’s needed a home, in the heart of the community. One of our greatest patrons in those early days was Bob Wright, a prominent Ulverston shopkeeper.
It was through his generosity that the Hospice took on the premises that we still occupy to this day; a large Victorian house on the outskirts of Ulverston with ample grounds and potential to grow our facilities. Bob was a major supporter of St Mary’s Hospice and even after his death passed on a lot of money reminding us that without him, we wouldn’t be here.
A Community of Care
We also wouldn’t exist without the countless caregivers and volunteers who really gave their hearts to the original facility-converted house with six inpatient beds and an additional 35 day patients. Our founding matron, Joan Pollit, emerged as a visionary leader who promoted the need to encourage patients “to live for the moment” and find joy amidst their suffering. This same philosophy is still ringing in our ears today.
St Mary’s Hospice would not only survive; it would grow, all thanks to her dedication and tireless drive. By 1995, close to 1,500 patients had been seen and cared for by us, and the increases in demand soon implied that the visionary roots of the Hospice would have to adapt to meet changing requirements.
And yet again, we called upon the spirit of community, and South Cumbria, as always, answered in full force with a massive fundraising blitz. In 1997 we were, therefore, able to rejoice in the completion of our now highly specialised inpatient unit, increasing the capacity to eight beds, furnished with all the overriding considerations our patients and families have come to take for granted in their time of need. On this occasion, a time capsule, filled with messages of hope and precious keepsakes, was placed in the foundation, reminding us that our past provides the bedrock for our glorious future.
A Royal Visit
Monday 1st October 1990 was a very special day for St Mary’s when Princess Diana visited the Hospice. Chatting to staff, patients and our community: “Her warmth and concern for everyone was very evident … Her kindness and gentleness with these patients was very moving.” An article at the time says: “It was a very happy day for everyone involved and will long be remembered here in the Hospice.”
Today St Mary’s Hospice has grown to be one of the largest charitable organisations in South Cumbria. With running costs increasing each year, nurses, caterers, carers, gardeners and volunteers of every kind are needed to keep the Hospice vision alive. We continue to rely on the generosity of the community today just as much as Reverend Nick Gosswin did almost 35 years ago. Thank you for everything you do to support us.
Carrying the Legacy Forward
We’re proud of our story, but the work continues. We want to follow the example of those who came before. We want to leave the Hospice stronger than when we found it so that future generations can benefit from the same facilities that we have.
