It is difficult to put into words a reflection that captures the special place that is Pendleside Hospice. I was privileged to join the Hospice last year as Health, Wellbeing and Rehabilitation Manager, and in that time I have witnessed remarkable moments every day.
My path here was shaped by my own experience of grief after losing my mum. I often wonder how different that time might have felt had we known about the support a hospice can offer. Looking back on how isolating those days were, I am struck by the contrast with the warmth, compassion and sense of belonging that Pendleside offers so generously to so many.
Within the Health and Wellbeing teams, support comes in many forms: Psychotherapy, pre- and post-bereavement care, Complementary Therapy, Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy, a wide range of group activities that nurture connection and confidence. Our department is full of joy, music drifting down the corridor, artwork that expresses emotions beyond words, and conversations held with patience and care, helping people make sense of today while gently planning for the future.
As we look forward to warmer days, I am reminded of one of our special events, Memories on the Lake, where as the sun sets in Thompson Park our community comes together and your personalised floating lanterns carrying memories, love and happiness float out into the water as we light the lake together.
Thank you for being a part of our community.
Remembering Nathan: Amelia’s Way of Saying Thank You
After the loss of her husband, Nathan Summersgill-Smith, Amelia continues to honour his memory while showing her thanks to the Pendleside Hospice team who cared for their family during their most difficult days.
Amelia first became familiar with Pendleside Hospice when the Hospice at Home team stepped in to care for Nathan during his final days. Their support made it possible for Nathan to remain at home, surrounded by the
In a time filled with heartbreak, it was the small, human moments that made the biggest difference. It’s these memories that have stayed with Amelia long after Nathan’s passing. Although Amelia did not access the Hospice’s Family Support Service, the relationships she built with the Pendleside team have continued to be a source of strength. Over time, those connections have grown into lasting friendships.
Speaking about Income Generation Manager Louisa, Amelia said: “We’ve created a real bond over the last year, and she’s always on the other end of the phone if I need her, and I’m still in touch with the Hospice at Home team as well.”
personal connection to the Hospice. Everyone understood why they were there, and that made a big difference.”
The experience not only tested her resilience but also reinforced her connection to Pendleside and the community it supports. Being surrounded by others who shared similar motivations created a powerful sense of togetherness and understanding.
Now, Amelia is preparing for her next challenge: The Great Wall of China Trek, taking place in October 2027. This incredible adventure will see participants climb the legendary Heavenly Ladder, trek along remote and original sections of The Great Wall, and explore Beijing’s most famous sights.
While physically demanding, for Amelia the trek is another opportunity to honour Nathan and thank the Hospice team who supported her family and ensuring that other families can receive the same level of compassionate care when they need it most.
Pendleside Hospice relies on the generosity of supporters like Amelia to continue providing vital services to patients and their loved ones across the local community.
By supporting Amelia’s fundraising efforts, you are helping Pendleside to be there for more families – offering comfort, dignity and compassion during life’s most challenging moments. They were just there throughout the whole 48 hours...
people he loved most, in a place that brought him comfort and peace.
For Amelia, that care went far beyond what she ever expected.
Amelia said: “They were just there throughout the whole 48 hours from when Nathan came home. Even when Nathan passed, the Hospice at Home team stayed for hours afterwards to comfort us, make brews and pass the tissues around. They made Noah laugh in the most difficult time and went above and beyond. They did so much more than they needed to do.”
Wanting to give something back to the charity that meant so much to her family, Amelia began taking on fundraising challenges in Nathan’s memory. These challenges are not only a way of raising vital funds, but also a personal journey, one that allows her to channel her grief into something positive.
In October 2025, Amelia took part in Pendleside’s Iceland Trek, a physically and mentally demanding three-day challenge across the country’s dramatic and everchanging landscape. From volcanic terrain to steep climbs and unpredictable conditions, it pushed participants to their limits.
“Iceland was really good fun, but equally really hard,” Amelia said. “What made it so special was doing it with people who had their own
Pendleside Hospice, Colne
Jennifer Sagar Health, Wellbeing and Rehabilitation Manager
Amelia and Nathan with son Noah
Jean’s Story of Living Fully at Pendleside
Despite living with a serious illness, Jean, a patient in Pendleside Hospice’s Inpatient Unit, admitted for symptom control is refusing to let her condition hold her back. Instead, she has found that her time at the hospice has given her the confidence and support to continue living life on her own terms.
One of Jean’s recent highlights was a muchanticipated trip to the cinema in Burnley with her close friend, Lisa. The pair made a full day of it, enjoying snacks during the film and stopping for a meal at Nando’s beforehand. It was a simple pleasure, but one that meant a great deal to Jean.
Jean said:“It felt good to get out to see my friend. We had a lovely day together and we didn’t get back till quite late.”
At Pendleside Hospice, patients are encouraged to live their lives as they please wherever possible. The Hospice team is there to ensure patients are comfortable, safe
encouraging family and friends to visit and to take patients out for trips and special moments whenever it is appropriate to do so.
Jean has also continued to pursue her passion for art. Over a recent weekend, she spent time away from the Hospice attending a local art exhibition where her own artwork was proudly on display.
Jean is a member of an art group called Ground Up, which she usually attends every Monday and Thursday, but being admitted to the Hospice hasn’t stopped her from continuing with her regular routine.
When staff at Pendleside Hospice learned about Jean’s love for art, they were keen to help her stay connected to her creativity.
Jean was invited to join the Hospice’s Health, Wellbeing and Rehabilitation art group, where
she quickly became involved. During one session, she created a colourful love heart using buttons, enjoying both the creative process and the opportunity to spend time with others in a relaxed and supportive environment.
Her powerful story is a reminder that Hospice care is about much more than end of life medical support. At Pendleside Hospice, the focus is on helping people live as fully as possible, supporting independence and relationships, whatever they may look like for each individual.
Jean’s positivity and determination continue to inspire both staff and fellow patients, showing that even during life’s most challenging times, there is still room for friendship and many happy memories.
If you wish to make a referral for yourself or a loved one, please visit: www.pendleside.org.uk/making-a-referral
A Proud Moment for Amy...
When Amy McFadden joined Pendleside Hospice in September 2017 as a Level 3 Business and Administration Apprentice, she was at the very beginning of her career.
With the Hospice’s support and encouragement, she progressed onto a Level 4 business admin apprenticeship, completing it in 2022. Over time, she grew into her role as Hospice Administrator, becoming a valued and core member of the team. Keen to continue developing, Amy began a Level 3 Data Technician Apprenticeship in November 2024 to expand her skills and explore her interest in data. Her dedication was recognised when she achieved a Distinction in January 2026.
Amy is now looking forward to applying her new knowledge in her role. Pendleside Hospice is incredibly proud of Amy and her achievements. All staff are encouraged to develop their skills and progress. The team looks forward to seeing Amy continue to flourish in her role.
To get in touch about leaving a Gift in your Will, contact Sarah Holdsworth on 01282 440 141 or email sarah.holdsworth@pendleside.org.uk
More Than Just a Band...
Pendleside Hospice is honoured to welcome the band Free for All, who perform regularly as part of the Health, Wellbeing and Rehabilitation groups.
Their visits are always warmly received, not only because of the joy their music brings, but because their story holds a very special meaning within the Hospice.
Free for All was founded by Peter, a Pendleside volunteer whose connection to the Hospice began long before the first note was played. Peter’s wife had been cared for in the Inpatient unit. After her passing, he chose to give back by volunteering as a driver.
During that time, a fellow volunteer discovered that Peter could sing and play the guitar, and
encouraged him to speak with the Health, Wellbeing and Rehabilitation team.
Soon after, Peter was invited to attend one of the carer and patient groups. It was there that something special began to take shape.
In the group, Peter met Val, a carer who immediately noticed he needed another voice. She playfully took his guitar mid-session and began to sing alongside him. From that day forward, they became a duo and their voices blended naturally.
Over time, their small musical partnership began to grow. Val’s cousin Dianna joined them, followed by Peter’s current wife Joy, and then Geoff, a friend who shared their love of music.
What had once been a one-man act slowly and beautifully became a five-piece band. Not just a group of musicians, but a group of friends sharing the same love for the Hospice. Peter said: “I remember in one of the groups, a couple got up dancing like they were teenagers again and that’s why we love coming here. We probably enjoy performing more than they enjoy watching.”
Free for All is more than a band. Born from loss, it has become something full of life. A reminder that music can help carry us forward.
To volunteer your time through music, art or other activities, contact jennifer.sagar@pendleside.org.uk
Jean alongside student nurse who cared for her on the Inpatient Unit
Ten Hospices Unite for Yorkshire 3 Peaks ‘Mega Event’ to
Support Local Hospice Care
Ten Hospices across Lancashire and South Cumbria are joining forces to bring communities an unforgettable challenge – the Yorkshire Three Peaks ‘Mega Event’, taking place on Saturday 5th September 2026.
This exciting and unique collaboration will see Pendleside Hospice, East Lancashire Hospice, Derian House Children’s Hospice, St Mary’s Hospice, Trinity and Brian House Hospice, Queenscourt Hospice, St Catherine’s Hospice, St John’s Hospice, St Marys Hospice and Rossendale Hospice unite with one shared goal: to raise vital funds for Hospice care in their local communities.
Hundreds of participants will tackle the iconic Yorkshire Three Peaks – Pen-y-Ghent, Whernside, and Ingleborough, in a single day, covering 24 miles and 5,200 feet of ascent.
Each Hospice is offering an exclusive £30 early bird discount for the first 30 people who register with their local Hospice. After that, the price will increase to £45.
The Mega Event is being sponsored by SPAR through its primary North of England retailer, wholesaler, and distributor James Hall & Co. Ltd. As part of the sponsorship, Pendleside Hospice Corporate Fundraiser, Lisa Clarke and Head of Events, Sammi Graham headed down to SPAR Netherfield Road in Nelson to meet Store Manager, Stephen Renshaw.
This initiative was inspired by the Hospices’
We’re all in it together!
partnership as charity beneficiaries of the Lancashire Business View Red Rose Awards 2025.
Rather than splitting the overall amount and each Hospice receiving a £500 donation, the Hospices decided to create a bigger impact by launching this collaborative event, aiming to raise £60,000 to support patients and families across the region.
Helen McVey, Chief Executive at Pendleside Hospice and Chair for the Hospice Collaborative, said: “This event is a fantastic example of what can be achieved when Hospices work together. We’re not only offering an incredible challenge for our supporters, but we’re also ensuring that more funds go directly to providing compassionate care for local people when they need it most,” Helen McVey, Chief Executive at Pendleside Hospice and Chair for the Hospice Collaborative.
Claim your early bird place –Scan to sign up
Pendleside Hospice Brings Community Together for Iftar
From Volunteers to Valued Colleagues
That approach is reflected in the journeys of five volunteers who have recently stepped into paid roles, each having shown real dedication and commitment during their time supporting the Hospice.
Paul Severn began volunteering as a driver in July 2021, helping with collections and deliveries for the retail team. In October 2021, he was offered a paid role as a driver for the Hospice Furniture Shop. His connection to the Hospice is also personal, as his father-in-law was cared for by the Hospice at Home team.
In 2015, Donna Bailey started volunteering at the Duke Bar shop. Her enthusiasm and reliability quickly stood out, and she later became Retail Co-ordinator at the Nelson shop.
De De Kendall also began at the Duke Bar shop as a volunteer before moving into a Retail Co-ordinator role at the Colne shop, following her consistent hard work and commitment.
Pauline Maclean has supported the Hospice
since 2017, when she began volunteering at the Barrowford shop. She is now Retail Co-ordinator at Dragonflies Boutique. Pauline holds the Hospice especially close, as her husband was supported by the Hospice at Home team and spent his final days in the Hospice’s Inpatient Unit.
More recently, Christine Turner was offered the role of Retail Co-ordinator at the Nelson shop after spending three years volunteering at the Padiham shop. Her time as a volunteer showed real commitment and reliability, leading her to take the next step within the Hospice team.
Louisa Mayor, Head of Income Generation Manager, Louisa Mayor said: “We are extremely proud of our retail team and their achievements, to be able to develop our volunteers and watch them grow into managerial positions is fantastic”
Their journeys reflect not only their own dedication, but also the important role volunteers continue to play in shaping the future of the Hospice.
On Tuesday 3rd March, Pendleside Hospice welcomed more than 200 people from across Burnley and Pendle to a special Community Iftar event, held in partnership with Nelson and Colne College.
The evening brought together members of the local community, college representatives and Hospice staff to break the fast during the Holy Month of Ramadan, creating a meaningful opportunity to share experiences, learn from one another and strengthen community connections.
In the lead-up to the event, many Pendleside staff chose to fast throughout the day in a show of solidarity. They also took part in a reflective canal walk and attended educational sessions to deepen their understanding of Ramadan, its significance, and how the Hospice
can continue to provide culturally sensitive care.
The event itself was filled with warmth, reflection and togetherness, with guests coming together not only to share food, but to build understanding and celebrate the values of compassion and community. A highlight of the evening was a moving talk from Khalid Aslam, who shared his family’s experience of support from Pendleside’s Hospice at Home team.
Khalid said: “A message to my community would be, please be curious. The team at the Hospice are incredible at what they do and I wouldn’t have been able to do it without their help. It was also amazing that they had a member of staff who could speak Punjabi, meaning my parents could easily communicate with them.”
Leah Hooper, Community Engagement Officer at Pendleside Hospice, added: “Thank you to Nelson and Colne College for collaborating with us on this special event. It was wonderful to have Khalid share his experience of the Hospice, and to hear from our local Imam about what Ramadan is and why Muslims fast.”
Pendleside Hospice would like to extend its sincere thanks to Nelson and Colne College for hosting the event, as well as to all partners, volunteers and staff who contributed to making the evening so welcoming and meaningful.
The Iftar was a powerful reminder of Pendleside Hospice’s commitment to supporting people of all faiths, backgrounds and cultures, and its ongoing dedication to building strong, inclusive relationships across the community.
Annual Community Iftar at Nelson & Colne College
Pauline Maclean, Donna Bailey, Paul Severn and Christine Turner
Future Proofing Pendleside Hospice
At Pendleside Hospice, caring for patients and families today also means preparing for tomorrow.
The ongoing energy improvement project is focused on taking important steps to ensure the Hospice remains strong, sustainable and able to continue providing compassionate care for generations to come.
Thanks to a Government grant received last year, strictly for building upgrades, several key improvements have already been completed.
The loft has been fully insulated to reduce heat loss, solar panels have been installed to generate renewable electricity, and new air source heat pumps now provide efficient heating and hot water.
Thermostatic valves have also been fitted to all radiators, allowing temperatures to be carefully controlled and energy use reduced, particularly during quieter periods.
Since these improvements were implemented, overall gas and electricity consumption has fallen significantly, with carbon emissions reduced by 66%.
The Hospice has gone from being one of the most energy inefficient hospices in England to one of the most efficient.
Celebrating 10 Years of the Lancashire Skills Pledge Retail Volunteers Needed!
Looking ahead, further work is planned, including refurbishing the front of the Hospice to create a more welcoming, energy-efficient reception area.
These vital upgrades will help ensure Pendleside can continue caring for patients and families, now and for many years to come.
If you wish to find out more about the energy project, please email helen.mcvey@pendleside.org.uk
Thank you to SBS Electrical Heating & Plumbing Services, Carl Bridge from James Hargreaves Plumbing Supplies and Darren Finley from
For the past decade, Pendleside Hospice has proudly supported the Lancashire Skills Pledge, working alongside local schools and organisations to help inspire and prepare young people for their future careers.
This long-standing commitment reflects the Hospice’s dedication not only to caring for patients and families, but also to investing in the future of healthcare and the wider community. The initiative brings together employers from across Lancashire who are passionate about supporting students as they take their first steps into the world of work.
By sharing knowledge, offering guidance and supporting careers initiatives, Pendleside has helped young people gain valuable insight into healthcare and other professions.
The Hospice also continues to promote apprenticeships and T Levels, providing meaningful opportunities for students to
develop practical skills and explore rewarding career pathways.
To mark this special 10-year milestone, Chief Executive Helen McVey was invited to attend a celebration event, where she was presented with a Certificate of Achievement in recognition of Pendleside’s ongoing commitment.
Reflecting on the occasion, Helen said, “It was such an honour to receive this certificate. We are passionate about supporting young people in our community and helping them develop the skills and confidence they need for the future. Afterall they may one day be interested in coming to work at Pendleside”
As Pendleside looks ahead, it remains committed to inspiring the next generation and helping young people realise their potential.
We’re inviting new volunteers to join our Retail team, where every hour given directly helps make hospice care possible in our community.
Family & Bereavement Support Services at Pendleside Hospice
Pendleside Hospice provides support and counselling to adults, children and families who are caring for a loved one or who have been a ected by a bereavement.
Support and counselling sessions can be delivered in a variety of ways, including individual face-to-face sessions, family sessions, group sessions and individual
telephone sessions. Support can also be provided in the community and within schools.
Individuals can refer themselves or we can accept referrals from relatives, carers, health and social care professionals, businesses, organisations and schools.
At Pendleside Hospice, we also offer bereavement support groups for those living in Burnley & Pendle. All of our groups are free of charge, and you don’t need to have had any prior connection to the Hospice.
Join others for a supportive morning of connection, starting with a gentle one-hour stroll from Pendleside Hospice, followed by co ee and breakfast together.
First Monday of every month at 10am
In a supportive, compassionate and informal group setting, participants can share their feelings and connect with others who are navigating similar experiences.
First Monday of every month 6pm – 7.30pm
Access support, information, and guidance through our monthly group, led by volunteers who have personally experienced suicide loss.
Third Monday of every month 5pm – 7pm
Groupe Atlantic UK & ROI Division for helping make it happen.
