Rachel McMillan reflects on 2021
Rachel McMillan, Chief Executive of St Ann’s, reflects on 2021 and the incredible support of our community during our 50th birthday year
“As we approach the end of 2021, I look back and reflect on the year we’ve had. We have coped through another year living and working during a global pandemic – something none of us could have imagined we would be doing.
“Yet despite the challenges we have all faced, it’s important not to lose sight of everything we have accomplished this year too. We can also focus on the positives, celebrate our achievements and recognise how we have been resilient, adapted to change and supported each other.”
I’m so proud of the whole team at St Ann’s Hospice, who have continued to work together on the frontline throughout this year to deliver first-class care to those who need it across Greater Manchester.
As one of the oldest and largest hospices in the UK, we have celebrated our 50th anniversary during 2021: a real milestone in our history. It was an honour to welcome HRH Princess Royal to the hospice, for the second time in our history, on 7th December to meet staff, volunteers and patients and celebrate our milestone anniversary.
So many staff, volunteers, local businesses and the community have also helped us mark such a special birthday year. Your generosity and commitment by taking part in so many different events has been remarkable. Whether that’s by sharing our social media posts, visiting our shops, playing our hospice lottery, making a donation, or organise your own fundraiser – we are hugely grateful.
As many of you will know, as a charity we need to raise £20,000 a day to provide specialist care from our two hospice sites and our range of community and outreach services. We simply wouldn’t have been able to continue providing that care without the support and generosity of our local communities.
As we approach 2022, we’re looking ahead to another exciting year in our history and starting to build our new hospice facility in Heald Green. This new hospice will enable us to continue to develop our world-class care delivery, and be at the forefront of innovative specialist palliative and end of life care for the next 50 years and beyond.
I am so proud to stand side by side with so many amazing people; our staff, volunteers, supporters, local community, local businesses and other colleagues across health and social care, who I know are ready to enter the next chapter with us. Every member of the community make St Ann’s what it is – thank you for your support.
As we say farewell to 2021, we welcome 2022 with energy, excitement and positivity. Thank you again to everyone who has supported us this year, or who is thinking of making a donation over the festive period. It makes such a difference.
I’d like to wish you all a very happy, healthy and peaceful Christmas.
Rachel McMillan
Chief Executive, St Ann’s Hospice