Rowans Hospice Celebrates 25 Years of Hospice Care
Today, 25th October, Rowans Hospice celebrates 25 years of providing free care and support to adults in our community who have a life-limiting illness and their families.
To mark the occasion Rowans held a special event at Rookesbury Park on 24th October, to thank long standing supporters, staff and volunteers. The occasion provided attendees an opportunity to view the spectacle 25th Anniversary Rose Sculpture, created by local artist Jamie Cullimore, before it is open to the general public today until 30th October.
In addition to admiring the roses sculpture, a very special celebration cake has been created by for the Hospice by Navy Chef, WO1 Jon Borham RN who has baked for Royalty, with the ingredients purchased by Officers of the Wardroom on HMS QE who nominated Rowans Hospice as their chosen charity of the year.
A special service will also be held at Portsmouth Cathedral, High Street, Old Portsmouth on Sunday 17th November at 2pm. Open to everyone in the community to attend, the event will include an address by the Rt Rev Christopher Foster (Bishop and Patron of Rowans Hospice), followed by light refreshments in the David Bawtree Building in Portsmouth Grammar School.
Speaking about Rowans Anniversary Rowans Chief Executive, Ruth White, expressed her gratitude to the community. She said:
“To be working for Rowans, 25 years on since we first opened our doors, is a privilege and an honour. Rowans is such a special place that is predominantly thanks to the community we serve.”
“Today as we mark our 25 Anniversary, we want to pay thanks to the group of nurses from Somerstown Health Centre in 1972 who identified the need for a local hospice in Portsmouth and South East Hampshire. In addition to giving thanks to every single person who has supported the Hospice, in whatever way they can since.”
Image: Ruth receiving a delivery of items ahead of the opening of the Hospice in 1994.
Ruth then stated:
“It is due to this incredible, unwavering support that we have been able to continue to provide free outstanding care and support to our to adults in our community who have a life-limiting illness and their families. So thank you. Rowans is truly a Hospice built by the community for the community.”
Did You Know …?
- The Hospice was named the Rowans due to the mystical and healing properties associated with the Rowan Tree.
- The Hospice was actually meant to have 20 bedrooms, but the design team had not thought that the Matron would need an office base.
- The first patients through the doors were an elderly lady with terminal cancer and a young gentleman with HIV
- All care and support is given free of charge
- 3117 Carers were supported by Living Well Centre last year
- Rowans undertakes on average 554 home visits a month
- It takes a total of 306 dedicated members of staff and 1527 volunteers to run Rowans Hospice and Retail operations
- We need raise £527 to fund just one overnight stay in-patient ward
- 140,535 voluntary hours are worked across the charity every year
- We need to raise £19,655 every day to provide our care