Dame Patricia brought sunshine to Wirral Hospice St John’s

Today we learned of the sad passing of Dame Patricia Routledge.

Born and brought up in Wirral she is loved and remembered by millions of people across the UK for her outstanding roles on TV and in theatre. She was also a friend to the hospice.

Back in 2019 when we opened up the hospice gardens to our whole Wirral community, Dame Patricia was our guest of honour who gave a charming dedication as she cut the ribbon for the two-day event opening.

She thanked our army of volunteers, including patients, who over the preceding months had come together with staff to transform the hospice gardens and lay the base for what is now a stunning space for people, patients and their visitors to enjoy.

On the day, which was beautifully sunny, she greeted many people, volunteers, staff and all the hospice supporters who joined us, and was happy to oblige when asked for photographs.

Dame Patricia was especially attentive to the patients she met and we can certainly say she made their day.

The consummate professional, we can also probably now tell you, although she wanted no publicity or praise at the time, that about four weeks after her visit she made a very generous donation for which the hospice remains eternally grateful.

Rest in peace, Dame Patricia, you brought so many people, not least at our hospice, many fond memories.