Celebrating International Women’s Day 2021 – looking back at St Mary’s history

International Women’s Day is an opportunity to celebrate achievement and while we remember Dame Cicely Saunders founder of the modern hospice movement, there have been so many key people who have played their part in St Mary’s past to establish the hospice we have today #IWD2021.
Find out more about Shirley’s story: the hospice’s first paid employee!:
When the role of Appeals Coordinator came up in 1986 it was suggested Shirley apply for this vital position – which was St Mary’s first ever paid role to help make the hospice’s dream become a reality. Shirley talked to local businesses, potential funders, started activities including the raffle, mail outs, tea dances every Wednesday afternoon in the Coronation Hall, which were very successful! Shirley travelled to the edge of our boundary including the last night of her role at the Three Shires in in Langdale working tirelessly to secure any opportunity to increase St Mary’s funds.