We have chosen to support St Ann’s Hospice with a Lasting Tribute Fund to enable others to receive the same special care that was given to my wife Janice, and so be a continuing tribute to her memory.Ken Parkes

All quotations are used with permission.

How do tribute funds work?

A Tribute Fund gives friends, family and colleagues an opportunity to raise money, in the name of their loved one, to directly help St Ann’s Hospice provide care for other patients with life-limiting illnesses.

People can contribute to the fund in any way they can, for any length of time, in whatever way feels right for them.

For example, some people choose to simply make regular donations to the fund, others prefer to take part in sponsored activities like the Great North Run or sponsored walks. Any type of event or activity can be organised, and a dedicated member of staff will be on hand to support you and manage your tribute fund.

Stella’s Tribute Fund

In her own words, Stella McKay was ‘privileged’ to be a day care patient at St Ann’s Hospice. Her friend, Mandy, explains a little about the care Stella and her family and friends received.

“When Stella was admitted to the Hospice she was naturally quite distressed, but both the clinical and medical staff quickly allayed her fears and gave her a sense of immediate calm. It’s the small things that make such a difference and nothing was ever too much trouble – from talking to her as a human when she had lost consciousness, to always putting her beloved bear back on her pillow after bathing or turning her.

Despite spending every hour of the day at St Ann’s for 5 days, myself and Stell’s family were never made to feel that we were in the way, were looked after with great care and our needs were always considered.

I really believe the care and support Stell received enabled her to go on and continue to live her life as best she could for as long as was possible, and St Ann’s really complemented and brought out her natural optimism, spirit and joy for life.”

Mandy set up a Tribute fund in Stella’s name to give something back to the Hospice that helped them all so much. Stella worked for Fat Face and they raffled a surf board to raise funds, friends and family took part in the Manchester Midnight Walk and there was a collection held at the funeral.