HRH The Prince of Wales joins Liverpool’s own Alison Steadman and Simon Rimmer to celebrate Marie Curie hospice’s 60th anniversary

His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales paid a special visit to the Marie Curie Hospice, Liverpool helping to celebrate its 60^th anniversary year.

The Prince, who has been Patron of the charity since 2003, visited the hospice in Woolton which provides expert care and support to people living with a terminal illness and their families.

His Royal Highness met patients, family members and hospice staff during a tour of the hospice’s Sefton and Stanley Wards alongside Diane Barker, Hospice Manager.

During the tour, The Prince visited the Day Therapy Unit where he met several patients as well as actress and Marie Curie ambassador Alison Steadman, whose mother was cared for at the hospice.

His Royal Highness then unveiled a plaque to mark his visit before cutting a daffodil-themed cake, made especially by chef and TV presenter Simon Rimmer who runs The Elephant pub in Woolton Village.

Diane Barker, Hospice Manager at the Marie Curie Hospice, Liverpool, said: “Welcoming His Royal Highness to the Marie Curie Hospice, Liverpool is a very special moment for us, at a very special time as we’re celebrating the hospice’s 60th anniversary year.

“It was great to have the opportunity to introduce His Royal Highness to some of our patients, their family members and our hospice staff, as well as showcase how the hospice cares for people across Liverpool at the end of life. It was clear to see it was important to him that people living with a terminal illness have access to the care they need.”  

Jane Collins, Chief Executive, Marie Curie, said: “I’m extremely grateful that His Royal Highness made time to visit our Liverpool hospice. As we’re just about to launch our annual flagship fundraising campaign, the Great Daffodil Appeal, whose tagline is “Behind every daffodil there’s a story”, it’s fitting that His Royal Highness heard personal stories from patients and hospice staff.

“Story telling is of vital importance for Marie Curie because it explains how we care for people living with a terminal illness. We couldn’t provide the care that we do without the generous support of the public, which is why we’re hoping to raise £94,000 across Merseyside during this year’s Appeal.”

Alison Steadman, actress and Marie Curie Ambassador, said: “My mum was cared for at the hospice when she had pancreatic cancer. The care she received here was wonderful, the nurses were so kind and I think they kept her going longer than she might’ve otherwise.

“I feel quite emotional coming back, but I’m delighted to have the opportunity to visit and see that the hospice continues to provide amazing support to people during such a difficult time.”

Simon Rimmer, TV presenter and owner of The Elephant, in Woolton Village, said: “It’s a great honour to have the opportunity to make a cake for His Royal Highness. Making a daffodil themed cake is slightly different to my usual repertoire, but I love a challenge and I just hope His Royal Highness and the patients liked it!”

Last year the hospice cared for 1,085 people and their families, while it continues to work with the Liverpool Clinical Commissioning Group to build and develop the services available to meet the growing palliative and end of life care needs of the people of Liverpool.

Having first opened in 1959, the hospice has a series of events lined up to celebrate its 60^th anniversary including a Diamond Anniversary Ball on Saturday 19^th October at the Crowne Plaza Hotel. 

To find out more about the Marie Curie Hospice, Liverpool please visit https://www.mariecurie.org.uk/help/hospice-care/liverpool