Mrs Snowdon was also accompanied by Deputy Lieutenant Peter Bowes and his wife Elizabeth, along with the Ceremonial Mayor and Mayoress of Hartlepool, Brian Cowie and Veronica Nicholson.

The group spent time in the Hospice’s Inpatient Unit, chatting to staff and volunteers and had lunch with CEO (Non-Operational), Nicola Haggan and Business & Communications Senior Manager, Greg Hildreth before viewing the Hospice gardens.

Nicola said, “It was lovely to be able to welcome the Lord Lieutenant and guests. Mrs Snowdon showed real empathy towards our patients and was very warm and engaging; it was a genuine pleasure to spend the afternoon in her company; her time and interest were most appreciated. Thanks also to the other members of her party for attending, all of whom already have very close connections with the Hospice.”

The Lord Lieutenant said of her visit, “Alice house Hospice works to ensure people affected by life-limiting illness or the death of a loved one have the care, comfort and support they need, and they most certainly succeed.

I thoroughly enjoyed my visit. The facilities are first class, and I enjoyed meeting members of the Hospice family.

Alice House has quite a history and would not be the facility it is today had it not been for the vision and determination of Alice Bendle. From 1980 when a group of ten met to discuss the possibility of a Hospice for Hartlepool and East Durham, to celebrating their 40th anniversary in 2020, continuing to providing the best of care during the pandemic. They are a most incredible, dedicated team.

It’s a wonderful organisation, working to ensure everyone affected with terminal illness receives the dignity, respect, support, and care they need, loving care, giving families precious time together when needed most.”