Springhill Hospice is a 16 bed in- patient unit on the outskirts of Rochdale, Lancashire. Opened by Princess Anne, the Hospice recently celebrated 30 years of offering specialist end of life care for over 100 patients per year.

Funded partially by the NHS, two thirds of its financial needs have to be raised by supporters, costing around £7000 per day to keep going as well as paying those unexpected bills, all donations are most welcome.

Chief Executive Julie Haliwell was absolutely delighted when Frank Smith, the Head of the Order of the Secret Monitor Freemasons in East Lancashire offered a donation of £2000 to the Hospice.

Frank visited the Hospice and met with Julie and her team to present the cheque. He explained that the local Freemasons of our Order had initially raised £1000; however this was doubled by the headquarters of the Order known as Grand Conclave under a ‘Match Funding scheme’. This meant that Frank could present a donation of £2000 to Springhill Hospice.

Julie explained that the hospice has recently run the ‘Comfort for All’ appeal and the money donated by the Freemasons would be used for the purchase of a new specialist bed, mattress and chair. This equipment is designed with the maximum comfort for the patient in mind.

The Hospice is surrounded by well kept gardens which are much appreciated by both patients and visitors alike, they even grow vegetables which are used to make tasty meals.

The care offered by Springhill extends to outside the Hospice building, with Holistic care and support being offered to patients in the wider community around Rochdale as well as counselling support for the whole family during the very sad and distressful bereavement periods.

The Hospice is supported by a dedicated team of staff and volunteers. It is a 24 hour operation and this is only possible with the hard work and care provided by the staff.