As Pendleside Hospice bids farewell to 2023, we reflect on our 35th anniversary year with gratitude.
The Hospice’s success and achievements can only be attributed to the dedication of our staff, volunteers, and the incredible communities of Burnley and Pendle.
For the last 35 years, Pendleside has been a pillar of palliative care, offering support and compassion to individuals, as well as their families and carers, facing life-limiting illnesses.
Over the past year, the Hospice provided care for 1,744 individuals, across its inpatient, community, health and wellbeing and family support services, including 76 children who received bereavement counselling support. Outpatient care increased by 47%, and community services, including Pendleside’s Hospice at Home service, saw a significant increase of 39% in the total number of people cared for.
Operating on an annual budget of almost £5.5 million and with only 22% covered by NHS grants, we rely heavily on generating our own income. With a rise in running costs and with more demand on our services, Pendleside thrives on the generosity of its supporters, while continually looking for ways to raise money, including hosting our own fundraising events, which the public have always enjoyed taking part in.
The Pendle Pub Walk, our flagship annual event, set the stage for a year of triumph by becoming the largest gathering to date. With over 2,700 participants, along with the generous support from local pubs and the Rotary Club of Burnley Pendleside, the event raised a staggering £125,259.82; a historic milestone in the 14-year history of the Pendle Pub Walk.
May marked the launch of the inaugural Memories On The Lake event, a poignant tribute that resonated deeply with attendees. Over 600 personalised lanterns were released across Burnley’s Thompson Park's lake, initiating Pendleside Hospice’s 35th-anniversary celebrations. Feedback received highlighted the importance of commemorating and cherishing the memories of loved ones.
In September, we introduced The Great Pendleside Trek, a 35-mile journey through the stunning Burnley and Pendle countryside. Despite challenging weather conditions, the community's unwavering morale and support demonstrated the resilience and determination of those dedicated to the Pendleside cause.
Pendleside Hospice hosted various other events throughout the year, including our annual Corporate Challenge, The Pendleside Pumpkin Trail and Pendleside Does Strictly. Additionally, we benefited from the initiatives of community members who organised independent events, raising vital funds.
As well as events, Pendleside runs nine retail shops, including a dedicated online eBay shop and furniture store, all of which collectively bring in nearly £400k per year. November of last year also saw the launch of Dragonflies Boutique, Barrowford, which sells high-quality designer and top high-street fashion.
Whether it's taking part in one of Pendleside Hospice’s events, shopping within the charity shops, or simply spreading the word and raising awareness of the charity, it all helps. Every donation, be it financial or in the form of time, contributes directly to offering care to those who need it.
Pendleside Hospice offers a range of services; inpatient care, outpatient care, including Hospice at Home, Health, Wellbeing & Rehabilitation services and bereavement counselling for both adults and children - all of which is completely free.
The only service in which we charge for is our Meals On Wheels service; one which scooped up a prestigious award at this year’s Hospice UK National Conference Awards. More than 80 healthy, home cooked meals are prepared for, and delivered each day by Pendleside’s own catering team and Hospice UK’s judging panel were impressed with how the largely volunteer workforce consistently showed commitment and outstanding service, operating 7 days a week, 365 days a year.
As Pendleside reflects on the accomplishments of 2023, it recognises the integral role played by volunteers. With more than double the number of volunteers compared to staff members, these individuals selflessly contribute their time to ensure the organisation can fulfil its mission. The gift of time from volunteers is immeasurable, allowing Pendleside to provide care and support to individuals living in Burnley and Pendle.
The core values of Pendleside Hospice – care, compassion, and support – resonate not only with the staff and volunteers but also with the public. The Hospice remains deeply rooted in the community, serving as a testament to the ethos established by its founder, Muriel Jobling MBE, in 1988. Built by the community, for the community, Pendleside continues to embody this spirit 35 years later.
In closing, we extend our heartfelt thanks to the communities of Burnley and Pendle, dedicated supporters, and tireless volunteers. Their unwavering commitment ensures the provision of essential care, comfort, and support to those navigating life-limiting illnesses. As Pendleside looks back on the accomplishments of 2023, it looks forward to a future filled with compassion, growth, and continued support from its remarkable community.