Christmas Charity Focus: Cornwall Hospice Care

Who are Cornwall Hospice Care?

Cornwall Hospice Care, now presented online as Cornwall Hospice, is a Cornish charity providing compassionate, specialist end of life care for patients, their families and carers across Cornwall.

The charity delivers care through its inpatient units at Mount Edgcumbe Hospice in St Austell and St Julia's Hospice in Hayle, as well as through wider services including community support, lymphoedema clinics and bereavement care.

Its teams also share skills and knowledge through education and training, helping to support healthcare workers now and in the future.

The hospice's history: Mount Edgcumbe

In the 1970s, doctors involved in the treatment of cancer wanted to establish a unit in Cornwall specialising in the relief of pain for patients. They discussed those needs with the Plymouth and Cornwall Cancer Fund, whose president was Lady Mount Edgcumbe.

The current Mount Edgcumbe Hospice in St Austell is the legacy of a remarkable woman, Mrs Enid Dalton-White MBE, who led the campaign to raise the funds needed to provide the first hospice in Cornwall.

Enid had nursed two husbands through cancer and was passionate about providing the right care. Her determined fundraising began when she opened her gardens in the village of Polruan to the public. With enormous commitment and dedication, she worked tirelessly to find the money, and on 6 October 1980 the hospice opened its doors to patients for the first time.

The hospice's history: St Julia's

In 1986, the Sisters of the Daughters of the Cross were instrumental in the opening of four palliative care beds in a private wing of St Michael's Hospital in Hayle. By 1992, the project had been extended to seven beds and all were moved into the main hospital building. By 1999, a purpose-built hospice had been completed on the same site.

A great many people were involved in the fundraising project to build St Julia's Hospice. Many supporters have been involved with the charity for more than 25 years, including through the fundraising groups dotted across Cornwall.

The Sisters of the Daughters of the Cross left St Julia's Hospice in 1999. It was later signed over to Cornwall Hospice Care, registered charity number 1113140, when the current charity was formed in 2006.

You can read more about the charity's story on the Cornwall Hospice history page.

A royal visit

On Thursday 17 September 2015, HRH The Earl of Wessex KG GCVO visited Mount Edgcumbe Hospice to mark its 35th anniversary. During an hour-long stay, he met patients, members of staff and volunteers who work for the charity, as well as people who had shared their personal stories as part of a project helping others understand what happens in Cornwall's adult hospices.

Prince Edward was shown a special exhibition that told the story of Mount Edgcumbe. He also met two of the charity's trustees, Margaret Geake and her late husband Tony, who gave the land on which the hospice is built.

After visiting a number of in-patients, Prince Edward met many of the people who shared their stories as part of Cornwall Hospice Care's Hospice Stories project.

In a short speech, Prince Edward thanked everyone for sharing their stories and congratulated them for helping both the hospices and those who might need them in the future. He wished everyone good luck for the next 35 years before cutting a 35th anniversary cake.

Community support and care

Cornwall Hospice understands the challenges of living with a terminal illness, whether you are a patient, carer, family member or friend. Its services are designed to support people with specialist care, practical guidance and compassionate help when it is needed most.

The charity's current care information includes details about its hospices, community services, lymphoedema clinics and bereavement support. You can learn more through the Cornwall Hospice care pages.

Discover the Cornwall Hospice network of shops

Cornwall Hospice has a network of shops across the county, helping raise funds for the charity's care. Shopping with the charity, donating items or visiting one of its stores can all help support the work it does for patients and families in Cornwall.

You can use the Cornwall Hospice shop finder to locate the nearest shop to you.

How can I support Cornwall Hospice Care?

Cornwall Hospice relies on the generosity of people across Cornwall and beyond. However someone chooses to support the charity, their help can make a real difference to patients, families and carers.

You can support Cornwall Hospice by making a donation, fundraising, volunteering, shopping with the charity or taking part in one of its events. The current ways to give page explains the different options available.

If you would like to volunteer, visit the Cornwall Hospice volunteer page. If you need to contact the charity directly, use the Cornwall Hospice contact page.