Tributes to nurse who helped set up hospice
‘Remarkable and inspirational lady’
TRIBUTES have been paid to the former Portsmouth nurse who was the first person to donate cash to the creation of the Rowans Hospice and who became one of its leading lights.
Christine Banerjee was one of the original ‘Somerstown Nurses’ who campaigned for a hospice to be built in or around Portsmouth.
In 1984 she and her colleagues petitioned the then Lord Mayor of Portsmouth, John Marshall, to launch an appeal for money to build the hospice – and Christine’s £25 cheque was the first in the coffers, made out before the appeal had even launched, in a bid to speed up the process.
Now the hospice has paid tribute to Christine, who has died aged 79.
Ruth White, who is now the chief executive of Rowans Hospice and was chosen as its first matron by a panel including Christine, said: ‘Anyone in our community that has ever used or been supported by Rowans Hospice has to be thankful for Christine’s passion, selflessness and enthusiasm.
‘She was just the most remarkable and inspirational lady, working tirelessly throughout her whole life to champion and support the continuing development of the Rowans; a hospice she had been so instrumental in founding.
‘She will be greatly missed by all of us.
‘We will be forever grateful to Christine. I am sure that this gratitude will be shared and echoed by every patient and family member that has used the hospice.
‘Rowans is truly a local community hospice built by the community for the community. Christine’s vision and determination were essential in turning a dream into a reality.’
Christine fundraised and supported the hospice throughout her life, became a founding trustee when the charity was first formed and then on retiring from this role was awarded the title of honorary vice-president and emeritus trustee up until her death on Monday.
Ian Bott, the first chairman of trustees, vice-president and emeritus trustee, said: ‘Christine deserves all the praise she will get for the stalwart and devoted work that she did for the Rowans.
‘The important and inspiring work that she did – starting around 35 years ago – that led to the creation of the Rowans; a hospice that makes such a significant contribution to the people of Portsmouth and its surrounding communities.’
Picture: Rowans Hospice