Plaque tribute for hospice founder Dom
ABLUE plaque honouring Halton Haven’s visionary founder, Dom Valdez, was unveiled at the hospice on Friday.
On what would have been Dom’s 76th birthday, the memento was revealed at the annual Light Up A Life event which takes place every year before Christmas and gives residents a chance to remember loved ones.
It will remain on permanent display in Halton Haven’s reception.
Stuart Allen, heritage plaque campaigner, said that the town should take pride in the life of inspirational Dom, who moved to Runcorn from Liverpool in 1973 and, despite his humble day job as a caretaker at Southgate Primary School, established a legacy of renowned hospice care.
Dom died in 1999, but by then he had established Halton Haven Hospice.
Using land donated by Runcorn Development Corporation, Halton Haven was built in 1984 with the day hospice being the first facility open and caring for residents.
The in-patient unit followed soon after and Dom was awarded the British Empire Medal in 1992.
Stuart said: “Dom Valdez was a truly inspirational man who we should all feel proud of.
“He was supported in his hospice work by his devoted wife, Linda, and by his two sons, Stuart and Martin – I had the pleasure of speaking with Martin while producing this plaque.
“Shaun Pollard, chief executive of Halton Haven Hospice, and I both agreed that Dom is in danger of being forgotten, particularly by younger people.
“A lot of people who I spoke with about Dom told me that he was a very self-effacing man, so I hope he would not be embarrassed by this plaque in his honour.
“Shaun spent over an hour with me showing me around the hospice and telling me about the wonderful work that is done there by the staff, many of them volunteers.
“The hospice is a credit to the town and the fact that it continues ● to survive is a testament to the great generosity of local people.”
Shaun said: “We were delighted to be approached by Runcorn And District Historical Society with the idea of having a blue plaque to commemorate our founder, Dom Valdez. It’s great to be able to celebrate our roots and this is a perfect way to do it.” ●