Thank you Sue! Hospice honours dedicated supporter and volunteer of over 40 years.

85-year-old Sue Woolven from Hartford has finally called time on her role as a volunteer receptionist at St Luke’s Hospice, having greeted patients and families since 1999.

Sue’s final day at the Hospice was marked by a surprise gathering, where staff came together to celebrate and thank her for her many years of dedicated service to St Luke’s.

Sue’s support for the Hospice goes far beyond her volunteering, going all the way back to its conceptual beginnings in 1983. She was a part of the original steering committee which would meet to discuss plans for the creation of a local hospice and later became secretary of the Hartford St Luke’s support group.

Sue said: “We used to meet at the British Legion in Middlewich and slowly but surely ideas started to get put together and we started to look at buildings. Once we were up and going, the money slowly started to come in. Prior to coming to the Hospice in Winsford, we had a little office above the butcher’s shop in Middlewich. I would go in and help occasionally where I would have to sit on the floor. It was very basic beginnings.”

The Hospice was officially opened on 18th May 1988 by Their Royal Highnesses, The Prince and Princess of Wales. Sue was there on the day, even having the honour of being introduced to the royal visitors, and later went on to serve as Medical Secretary until 1997.

On her role as Medical Secretary, Sue said: “Officially it was a paid role, but because we were fundraising like mad and I didn’t need to work financially, I never took a salary. Instead, I got my petrol money and a free lunch. For years that worked beautifully.”

After retiring, Sue returned to St Luke’s in 1999 as a volunteer on reception, saying she “missed it.” Since then, she has welcomed everyone who walks through the doors with warmth and kindness.

St Luke’s Vice President, Bill Crafter, said: “The Hospice has always had a most wonderful ambassador in Sue for over forty years. Nothing was too much trouble for Sue, she has always been efficient but caring, particularly when dealing with relatives. An incredible dedication for a volunteer. She will be sorely missed.”

Everyone at the Hospice and in the wider community, would like to thank Sue for her selfless dedication to St Luke’s and wish her all the best for the future.