It was a chance for staff and volunteers to show their appreciation for more than 40 years of service to the Hospice that her mother founded.

Alice House Hospice was the brainchild of Lorna’s mum, Alice Bendle, who had the vision of a haven for the terminally ill and their families, after she had a near-death experience, the result of an abdominal abscess. In 1980 she shared her vision of the Hospice with the first ten supporters, which Alice wanted to be a place of healing for people facing end of life, and their families.

Lorna said: “When mum was asking for volunteers to help her start the Hospice, there was plenty of interest and we soon formed several committees to begin the project. Mum had a talent for bringing the best out in people.”

She added:  “With mum’s vision, we set out to provide a place where people who were dying could find comfort with proper professional care, good medical help and tasty food prepared to the patient’s wishes. She wanted to treat both the patient and the family in a place where everyone would feel at home and cared for. Mum’s greatest legacy is this hospice, and she would be proud to see how it operates today, in a way that honours her vision.

Lorna recalls that one recent patient said: “As soon as we entered the Hospice, we felt at peace and could relax.”

Lorna added: “When my sister was in respite there, I could feel that a weight had been lifted off my shoulders. The Hospice takes the burden of care off those at home and the worry of how to look after their loved ones. It allows people to enjoy their relationship and leave the care to the nurses and other hospice professionals.”

Alice Bendle died in the Hospice and her family were able to sit with her and stay the night, while she received the best possible care.

Lorna has been shortlisted for the inaugural Peter Olsen Award for Outstanding Contribution at this year’s Hartlepool Business Awards.

Ten years ago, Lorna was awarded a Lifetime Achievement trophy at the Best of Hartlepool Awards, recognising her massive contribution to Alice House. Lorna worked as chief relaxation therapist in the hospice’s wellbeing centre, as well as conducting some of the weekly chapel services for patients and staff. Spiritual wellbeing is a very important part of hospice care.

Nicky Haggan, Alice House Hospice Co-Chief Executive, said: ‘I’ve worked at the Hospice for 22 years and what’s been key has been Lorna’s presence everywhere. She’s constantly visible to members of staff. Her passion keeps her mum’s legacy alive. And for new staff, it’s a link with the founder.

“Lorna is our quality control. As vice-chair of trustees, she keeps us on track with her mum’s vision. She offers senior management encouragement and support. “

Lorna added: “The trustees oversee all the policies and make sure that the Hospice is keeping to the aims and procedures that are in place, and are in line with my mum’s original vision. We are also ambassadors for the hospice. We promote its work and its ethos, which is spiritual love.

It’s been a joy to be part of the Hospice, and in particular the Wellbeing Centre. Although my part in that work finished due to the pandemic, I still have a role with the community and bereavement service.”

Lorna humbly describes her role now as ‘a piece of furniture’ at the Hospice. But it’s clear from the way she is warmly greeted by all the staff, that she is much-loved and appreciated for her dedication to the charity.

Lorna is celebrated her birthday with family and friends in Thirsk, before jetting off to Corfu with her daughter, Lyz, to see family there. As she reflects on her family legacy of founding Alice House, she says her mum would be proud of what the Hospice has achieved.

“The Hospice is life changing for those in need. The staff are so dedicated. And it’s lovely to hear people saying ‘I love coming to work.’ Everyone is so cheerful, so professional and efficient. There is a wonderful atmosphere once you come in here.

“The saddest thing is when people say ‘Oh, I’m not ready for that yet,’ or ‘we’re not ready for that.’ They think it’s just a place where people die. And it’s not. The patients say this is a place to learn to begin to live again, we are a person again. We are not a hospital case. It might not cure, but it heals people. I keep saying to people ‘spread the word – Hospice care is not just for the end of life, it can start after diagnosis.’

“Patients get to know the staff and feel like a family member. It gives that personal touch. The whole Hospice ethos is brilliant. Mum would be proud of the people who are keeping her vision alive.”

Article by Heather McWilliam, Volunteer Media Consultant.