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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.


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What's on

Make A Will Month

Santa Fun Run 2023

Light Up A Life 2023

Latest news

Frances Connolly Supports Alice House

Thank you Frances Connolly, the founder of the PFC Trust, for generously funding a transformation in our patient gardens.

Speak Up Month 2023

Freedom to Speak Up is for everyone who works here at Alice House Hospice.

Hospices North East and North Cumbria unite in solidarity to recognise and celebrate volunteers for Hospice Care Week 2023

From Monday 9th October to Sunday 15th October, Hospice’s across the country are raising awareness for Hospice UK’s annual Hospice Care Week campaign.

Fundraise for us Fundraise for Us - Colour Run

How can you help?

Sign up for the Hospice Lottery for a chance to win one of 26 weekly prizes. 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.
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  • © Alice House Hospice 2023

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