Prospect Hospice was filled with excitement and gratitude on January 20, 2025, as Her Majesty The Queen visited the hospice to mark its 45th anniversary.
The occasion was a monumental one, and the event left a lasting impact on everyone involved, from staff and volunteers to the patients and families in attendance.
“It’s hard to find the right words to describe yesterday’s Royal visit, but if I had to sum it up in one, it would be ‘wow!’” said Jeremy Lune, CEO of Prospect Hospice. “We are deeply grateful to Her Majesty, our President, for making this such a memorable day. Her visit has shone a spotlight on the work we do, and for Queen Camilla to acknowledge the issues around hospice funding is incredibly motivating for all of us here.”
Over the course of her 60-minute visit, Her Majesty took the time to meet with staff, trustees, dignitaries, and patients, as well as their families. She also participated in an educational session, expressing her concerns about the shortage of hospices across the country. “There aren’t nearly enough hospices in the country,” The Queen remarked, while also praising the exceptional work being carried out at Prospect Hospice.
A highlight of the visit was the unveiling of a commemorative plaque marking the renaming of the Evans Education Centre, which is named after the hospice’s founder, Derryck Evans. The Queen also cut a celebratory cake to mark the 45th anniversary of the hospice and signed the visitors’ book as a memento of the day. Two local children presented Her Majesty with a beautiful bouquet, adding a personal touch to the occasion.
Among the many who were honoured to meet Her Majesty was Christopher, a current patient at the hospice, who shared his thoughts on the experience. “It was an honour to meet her, and I am very lucky to have been offered a bed at the Prospect Hospice, especially given the ongoing hospice funding crisis.”
Prospect Hospice’s 45th anniversary celebration, enhanced by this unforgettable visit, serves as a reminder of the incredible work done by hospices across the country and the importance of continued support for their essential services.
