Influential former nurse joins hospice for 40th birthday bash

Charity’s four decades supporting people through ‘most difficult times’

The Pilgrims Hospice has celebrated its 40th anniversary with a toast to the former nurse whose vision it was to create a special service to bring comfort and care to the dying.

Ann Robertson, 87, was the guest of honour at the gathering in Canterbury, which was attended by staff and volunteers past and present.

Now the charity’s life-time president, she and guests shared memories of the past 40 years and cut a birthday cake.

Ann was inspired to make a difference for people in her community facing terminal illness while working as a nurse.

And it is thanks to her devotion, and the help of countless others, that almost 200 clinical staff fulfil vital roles, backed by thousands of supporters.

“It is a great privilege to have worked with so many forward-thinking and talented individuals over the years,” she said.

“In the early years we faced the day-to-day headache of meeting our financial needs. As the years have passed, we’ve established relationships not only with our generous public but with the business community, who help us to raise the profile of our charity and engage with the wider community.

“We remain the welcoming face that will guide people through some of the most difficult times, and the support of the community fills our hearts with great joy as we continue our journey to help even more people each year.”

Praising Ann’s initiative and dedication, Pilgrims’ chief executive Helen Bennett added: “We were delighted to have our remarkable founder and lifetime president with us for this special occasion.

“Ann welcomed Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother to oversee the opening of the hospice in 1982 and we enjoyed sharing some of her special memories of the occasion.”

Among the guests last week was former chairman of trustees Richard Davies, who retired

in 2020 but could not have a proper send-off because of pandemic restrictions.

He has now been succeeded by Karen Warden, who joined the board in 2018.

Ann Robertson with the Queen Mother at the opening of the Pilgrims Hospice in 1982

Ann Robertson with Pilgrims trustee Karen Warden (left) and chief executive Helen Bennett