As we start the new year, Pendleside Hospice is reflecting on 2025 and the support that made the year possible. Over the past twelve months, the hospice continued to care for people across Burnley and Pendle, supported by the generosity and commitment of the local community.
Throughout the year, Pendleside Hospice supported people living with life-limiting illness, along with those close to them, providing care both at the hospice and in people’s homes.
During 2025, Pendleside Hospice supported a total of 2,304 service users, consisting of 1,447 patients and 857 family members and carers, highlighting the breadth of care provided to both individuals and those close to them.
This work is carried out every day by staff and volunteers, supported by individuals, groups and organisations who understand the importance of hospice care within the local area.
Whether through time given, funds raised, or quiet support behind the scenes, the contribution of the community continues to shape everything the hospice is able to do.
Volunteers remained central to hospice life during 2025. More than 400 volunteers supported Pendleside Hospice across a wide range of roles, with 68 new volunteers joining during the year.
Volunteers supported in various roles across the Hospice, including supporting patients and families, helping in retail and fundraising, assisting at events, overall and playing an important part in the day-to-day life of the hospice.
Their involvement helped ensure services could continue to run and that patients and families received the care and support they needed.
Fundraising activity continued to thrive throughout the year, with a wide range of events taking place.
Thanks to the continued generosity of supporters, Pendleside Hospice celebrated some of their highest fundraising to date with record amounts raised in the Corporate Challenge, Car Raffle, Pendleside Does Strictly and Pendle Pub Walk. Reflecting the ongoing support of local businesses and the wider community, and the willingness of people to come together to support hospice care.
Alongside fundraising, most importantly Pendleside Hospice continued to provide services that support people to remain at home for as long as possible.
During 2025, 779 patients were cared for in their own home by the hospice at home and community team and approximately 25,000 Meals on Wheels were delivered to residents across Burnley and Pendle. The meals on wheels service supporting people to maintain independence and routine, while also providing reassurance and regular contact.
In November, Catering and Domestic Services Manager Mark Scott was invited to meet The Queen at Clarence House, in recognition of the Meals on Wheels service and its importance to the local community.
The invitation acknowledged the commitment of the team and the impact the service has on the lives of those it supports.
The hospice team also welcomed 30 new members of staff in 2025. New colleagues strengthened services across the organisation, bringing new skills and experience.
Within Health, Wellbeing and Rehabilitation services, Pendleside Hospice welcomed Jennifer Sagar, who joined the organisation in August as the new Health and Wellbeing Manager.
During the year, the team also introduced a new group, Movers and Shakers, designed to support people with early diagnosed neurological conditions. The group offers a supportive space focused on movement, confidence, and maintaining independence.
Staff also found their own ways to support the hospice. Members of the Hospice at Home team organised a car wash to raise funds, reflecting the pride staff take in the charity and their desire to support its work beyond their day-to-day roles.
Reflecting on the year, Helen McVey, Chief Executive of Pendleside Hospice, said:
“I would like to thank every single person who has supported Pendleside Hospice over the past year. Each year the challenge to raise sufficient funds to keep our services running becomes harder due to rising costs. Whether you have donated, fundraised, volunteered your time, or supported us in quieter ways, it has all made a difference.
“A special thank you goes to our volunteers, whose commitment and generosity help us continue caring for local people every day. We simply could not do this without the support and kindness of our community.”
The year ended with several moments that brought people together. Players from Burnley Football Club visited the hospice to spend time with patients and service users. During the festive period, a reindeer also paid a visit to the hospice, which was one of our patients wishes.
As Pendleside Hospice looks ahead, its focus remains on promoting quality of life for people living with life-limiting illness, as well as for their families and carers. Care is planned around individual needs and reviewed regularly, recognising that those needs can change over time.