Reflections of David Brown, Hospice Chairman, on the death of Her Majesty the Queen:

“We join the country in mourning the death of Her Majesty the Queen.

After the last couple of years, you would think we would be used to “unprecedented” things happening, but to lose this remarkable woman who had been the stability throughout many of our lives is a difficult thing to contend with.

At Pendleside Hospice, dealing with life and death is something that we do on a daily basis. We are so fortunate to have a highly skilled, experienced and compassionate team that help families navigate illness and when the time comes - death, loss and grief. However hearing of the Queen’s death has made us stop, think and reflect on how precious life is and how important it is to take time to reflect on this and care for each other.

Everyone at Pendleside, including management, staff, volunteers and trustees, are deeply saddened by her passing.

We offer our condolences and deepest sympathy to the Royal Family at this sad time. For they have not just lost their Queen, but also their mother, grandmother and great-grandmother.

So too are our thoughts with all of you who are feeling the loss of our beloved Queen. We are aware that some people will be suffering from the grief caused by the Queen’s death and that it may also reinforce your own grief of losing somebody close to you. I would like to remind you that our family support team offer bereavement counselling to anyone who requires help.”

On reflecting upon Her Majesty’s extraordinary 70 year reign today, on behalf of everyone at Pendleside, I want to thank her. For her devotion to a life of service, her dedication to the people of the Commonwealth and her unwavering commitment to many, many charities and good causes. She will be sadly missed and leaves an incredible legacy that will inspire us for many years to come.

Rest in Peace Your Majesty.”