Translate
   Accessibility 

History

Alice House Hospice would not be what it is today if it hadn’t been for the vision and determination of local mum-of-four Alice Bendle. In 1969, the 59-year-old was undergoing a routine hospital operation when doctors told her she may die.

"They say they feel like a person and that enables them to live again and that is what she believed was a very important part of the work we were here to do."

Lorna Jones

As her daughter, Lorna explains “Things really hit her then and she started asking questions like: What will happen to my children and my family? Does my family know? Will I ever see them again?”

Luckily for us all she recovered but the experience left her passionate about making sure that anybody facing a life-limiting illness would never be alone or in pain.  Over the next ten years Hospice founder, Alice Bendle, argued her case to town leaders, business owners and residents, harnessed support and raised funds.  Alice Bendle passed away in 1993 in the Hospice and Lorna, who is now Vice Chair of the charity’s Board of Trustees, believes her mother would be very proud of how the Hospice has developed.

“When I speak to the patients they tell me everything they could ever want is there for them, often before they need it, and most importantly no one at the Hospice defines them by their disease but as the wonderful individuals that they are.  They say they feel like a person and that enables them to live again and that is what she believed was a very important part of the work we were here to do,” said Lorna.


I want to find out what's happening at Alice House Hospice

What's on

Colour Run 2025

Hartlepool Motor Show

Great North Run 2025

Latest news

Brand New Hartlepool Motor Show to Raise Funds for Alice House Hospice

Motoring enthusiasts are in for a treat as the inaugural Hartlepool Motor Show launches on Sunday 27 July 2025 promising an exciting day of exhibits while raising vital funds for Alice House Hospice.

Alice House Hospice & Hospice UK Legacy Appeal: Leaving a Gift to Secure the Future of Hospice Care

Alice House Hospice has joined forces with Hospice UK and 142 other Hospices across the country for the first national Legacy Appeal. The campaign raises awareness of the ongoing Hospice funding crisis and highlights the value of leaving a gift in your will to help secure vital care services for future generations.

Fundraise for us Fundraise for Us - Colour Run

How can you help?

Sign up for the Hospice Lottery. You can donate to any of our Hospice shops or volunteer to work in one. There are loads of ways you can help, run your own event, tick something off your bucket list or attend one of the Hospice events.
  • Registered charity No. 510824
  • Company No. 1525658
  • © Alice House Hospice 2025

Hartlepool Hospice Ltd (known locally as Alice House Hospice and formerly Hartlepool & District Hospice)
Registered office: Alice House, Wells Avenue, Hartlepool, TS24 9DA.