St Catherine's Hospice, Lancashire, St. Catherine's Hospice ( Lancashire ) Ltd, Lostock Hall, Lostock Lane, Preston (2026)

30/04/2026

This week’s Thank You Thursday is all about some of our marathon stars. 🏅

From the streets of London to the heart of Manchester, these incredible supporters have gone the extra mile in every sense. They’ve taken on 26.2 miles, often in memory of someone special, while raising vital funds for St Catherine’s Hospice.

The training, dedication and determination it takes to cross that finish line is something special, and we are in awe of every single one of you.

A huge congratulations and heartfelt thank you to:
Dan Armstrong – £3,123
Nick Rink – £5,508
Julie Vigo-Saunders – £1,515
Wesley Wilkinson – £1,125
Rachael Turner – £555
Luke Almond – £1,319
Julie Harrison – £1,827

Together, you’ve raised an incredible £14,972 for St Catherine’s Hospice.

Thank you for every mile, every donation and every moment of support 💚

29/04/2026

Today we marked something special here at St Catherine’s.

Our first ever Founders’ Day.

29th April is the day the hospice first opened its doors to patients back in 1985. And today was about taking a moment to remember how it all began.

A small group of people, including our Life President Cliff Hughes, had a vision for what end of life care in our community could be.

And with the support of local people, that vision became reality. St Catherine’s has always been built by its community. From those early days right through to now.

Today, that care reaches far beyond the hospice itself. Supporting people not only here, but in their own homes too, wherever they feel most comfortable.

That’s the butterfly effect in action.

One idea that’s grown into something that now supports thousands of people and families every year.

To honour that legacy, we invited in some of the people who helped to kick the hospice off, and those that we've supported over the years today to a special event.

It was a lovely reminder that everything we do today, every patient we care for, every family we support, is part of that same ripple that began in 1985.

It started with them. It’s carried by our community. And it’s now our responsibility to carry it forward.

To everyone that supports us, thank you.

📸Thanks to dia-images photography

28/04/2026

🧸 Got a teddy that needs a new home?

Our donation van is back at St Catherine’s on Thursday 7th May, 9am–11am, collecting items for our hospice shops 🚐

This time, we’re especially looking for teddy bears and cuddly toys (in good condition), ready to be loved all over again.

Every donation helps us provide vital care and support to local families, so whether it’s a teddy, clothes, or homeware, you’re making a real difference 💚

Pop by the hospice car park with your pre-loved items

27/04/2026

With the Bank Holiday just around the corner, here’s a quick look at our shop and café opening times:

Closed- Adlington, Lostock Hall, Ashton Book, Bamber Bridge

Ashton Main- 10.00am-4.00pm
Mill Shop- 09.30am-4.30pm
Longton- 9.00am-1.00pm
City Store- 9.00am-1.00pm
Longridge- 10.00am-2.00pm
Fulwood- 10.00am-1.00pm
Chorley- 10.00am-4.00pm
Leyland- 10.00am-4.00pm

☕ The Mill, St Catherine's Park Café will be open as usual from 9am–4pm – perfect for a brew and a bite!

Thanks for shopping with us and supporting hospice care in your community on this, our 40th year! 💚

26/04/2026

We teamed up with Deepdale Community Association to host Hospice on the Road at Catherine Beckett Community Centre. It was a chance for open, honest conversations, where we could share what we actually do, and break down some of the myths around hospice care in the local Asian community.

We started by chatting through what support really looks like, from our medical and nursing teams through to bereavement support. Nothing formal, just real people sharing real experiences. Then we sat down together in smaller groups so people could ask questions, talk openly and get the answers they actually needed.

By the end, the room felt completely different. People chatting, connecting, sharing food and stories together.

One person even signed up to volunteer that same day while another told us how much they’d learned and how helpful it had been.

There were honest conversations about grief, support and the different advice people are often given.

Then the next day, we got a call from Irfan.

He’d taken leftover food out into the community, fed 25 local elderly people and started sharing what he’d learned about the hospice. Leaflets in hand, conversations flowing. He told us there’s now a real buzz and wants to do it all again this summer.

If you’d like to find out more about our services, volunteering or upcoming Compassionate Conversations sessions, just drop us a message. And thanks to Irfan and everyone who took the time to join us.

25/04/2026

For many families, St Catherine’s has become a part of their lives in ways they never forget.

As our 40th anniversary year comes to an end, we want to celebrate those who made the hospice happen in the first place.

On 29th April 1985, St Catherine’s opened its doors to patients for the very first time. And it all started with a small group of people who believed our community deserved something better at the end of life.

Founders’ Day, which we’ll mark every year on this date, is about remembering those people.

People like Kitty Sharples, Cliff Hughes and the other founders, whose vision created the hospice we know today.

But it’s also about recognising the role our community has played from the very beginning. Because St Catherine’s has never just been a building. It’s always been people.

People who fundraised. Volunteered. Donated. Shared their time, their energy and their compassion.

And that vision didn’t just stay within our walls. Today, we care for people not only in the hospice, but in their own homes too, supporting families wherever they need us.

That’s the ripple effect our founders started.

Or maybe more like a butterfly effect. One idea, one decision, one act of kindness… that’s grown into something that’s touched thousands of lives across our community.

Over the years, so many memories have been made here.

Claire, one of our nurses, remembers when her mum was cared for here 30 years ago. Back then there was a fish pond in the courtyard with a little bridge. When the pond was eventually filled in, the nurses took the fish home.

Kate remembers visiting her Nanna (pictured) on the ward just after getting engaged. Her Nanna proudly called all the nurses over so they could see the ring.

They’re small moments. But they’re the ones that stay with you.

We’d love to hear your memories of St Catherine’s too.

Maybe you received care here. Maybe we supported someone you love at home. Maybe you volunteered, fundraised, or attended an event.

Please share your memories in the comments.

Because every story is part of that butterfly effect that started back in 1985 and continues today 💚

25/04/2026

Meet Chris Nicol, who set himself an extraordinary challenge for April.

To take part in every class, every day, at Total Fitness. From bootcamp and body pump to Zumba, aqua and even line dancing, he's thrown himself into it all. Sometimes tackling up to nine classes in a single day.

He says it's because St Catherine's has always held a special place in his heart. More than 20 years ago, his dad was cared for here. Since then, he's seen first-hand the difference hospice care makes to so many families.

"Every time I drive past, I think about what an incredible place it is. I never want that to stop."

With just one week to go, Chris has already raised an amazing £4,075 – hitting his original target. And while he admits his body is feeling it, his determination hasn't wavered.

"It's been tough, but not as tough as what families at the hospice are going through right now."

Thank you, Chris, for every squat, spin, step and stretch you've taken in support of local hospice care. We're all cheering you on for the final push. 💚

If you'd like to support Chris, you can donate here: https://www.justgiving.com/page/chris-nicol

24/04/2026

We’re looking for compassionate, committed staff nurses to join our team at St Catherine’s Hospice - where every day is about comfort, dignity and truly person-centred care.

We have three fixed-term (12 month) opportunities available:
- 2 x Staff Nurse – 37.5 hours
- 1 x Staff Nurse – 25 hours

In our inpatient unit, you’ll be part of a supportive multidisciplinary team, delivering holistic care for people with complex palliative needs. Working closely with patients and those important to them to ensure every moment matters.

This is a role where:
💚 You take time to listen, not just treat
💚 Teamwork and compassion are at the heart of everything
💚 You’ll continue to learn and grow with specialist palliative care support

If you’re a nurse who cares deeply, works collaboratively and wants to make a genuine difference, we’d love to hear from you.

Please help us spread the word by sharing

More info: https://www.stcatherines.co.uk/about-us/work-for-us/

23/04/2026

It’s Thank You Thursday!

Huge congratulations to Carolyne Hobin, who took on the Manchester Marathon last Sunday and crossed the finish line with an incredible £1,245 raised. What an achievement.

We’re also grateful to the team at Preston Legacy Hotels, who came together to summit Mount Snowdon in memory of their colleague Anil. Together, they’ve raised over £3,300 for the hospice.

And good luck to everyone running the London Marathon this weekend. We’ll be cheering you on every step of the way! Don’t forget to tag us in your posts so we can celebrate with you! 🏃

22/04/2026

“Not everyone gets the chance to reach the big milestones in life.”

One of our lottery players recently shared that they’ve just celebrated their 60th birthday, were heading off on a cruise, and when they returned also marked their 30th wedding anniversary. Some pretty special milestones, all close together.

But moments like these mean even more to them because they know not everyone gets that chance.

Ian's mum sadly died from cancer at just 59, and more recently he lost a colleague in their late 40s. Experiences like that have stayed with him and are part of the reason he supported St Catherine’s for so many years.

Like many of our lottery players, he says he didn’t play expecting to win (and a big £7,350 win at that!)

“We do it to support the hospice,” he told us. “To give hope and help people in their hours of need.”

So when he recently had a surprise lottery win, it took a while for it to sink in.

For him, the win was lovely. But the real reason he plays has always been to help make sure local people and their families get the care and support they need.

And that’s exactly what every £1 played in our lottery helps to do.

Join in: https://www.stcatherines.co.uk/support-us/lottery/

21/04/2026

Sometimes the path you end up on isn’t the one you planned at all.

Alison left college in the 80s with one clear goal in mind. Find love, build a family, and get on with life. And she did exactly that. Married at 24, two children by 27, and a series of office jobs along the way.

A career in nursing wasn’t even on the radar.

Then in 2007, after becoming seriously unwell, Alison spent months at home recovering. During that time, a conversation with a nurse planted the seed of becoming a nurse.

With her children now older, Alison made a decision that would completely change her life. She applied to study nursing at UCLan… and got in. What followed was a whirlwind few years.

Final exams for Alison. GCSEs for her daughter. A Levels for her son. And a very patient husband holding it all together at home.

By 2011, she qualified as a nurse. And that’s where her real passion started to take shape.

During her training, Alison had spent time at St Catherine’s and something about it stayed with her. The care. The people. The feeling that this was where she was meant to be.

She joined the In-Patient Unit in 2013.

Since then, Alison has grown with St Catherine’s. From staff nurse to senior nurse, developing her skills, gaining further qualifications, and building a career she never imagined for herself.

She even tried a different path in community nursing for a while. But something was missing.
“I missed being on the ward. I missed my colleagues.”

So she came back.

Alison is now our IPU Sister, leading the team on the ward and supporting patients and families every single day.

“I love my job and I couldn’t think of anywhere else I’d want to nurse.”

19/04/2026

💚 Join our iconic Morecambe Bay Walk!

Experience one of England's most unique walks while supporting St Catherine's:
📅 8 August
🚶‍♀️ 8-mile guided trek
⏰ 3-4 hours
📸 Spectacular photo opportunities

Your adventure includes:
💚 Expert guide leading the way
💚 Amazing panoramic views
💚 Chance to spot local wildlife
💚 Unique crossing of the bay's sands
💚 Unforgettable memories made

Just 300 places available for this incredible experience that takes a traditional route that can only be traversed safely with qualified guides who understand the bay's ever-changing channels and tides.

Through your sponsorship, every step helps fund vital hospice care. Registration opening soon - watch this space!

https://www.stcatherines.co.uk/shop/events/hospice-fundraising/morecambe-bay-walk-2/

St Catherine's Hospice, Lancashire

30/04/2026

29/04/2026

28/04/2026

27/04/2026

26/04/2026

25/04/2026

25/04/2026

24/04/2026

23/04/2026

22/04/2026

21/04/2026

19/04/2026

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