As the days get longer and the weather begins to warm, I’ve been reflecting on how grateful I am to have joined Pendleside Hospice last summer
In just a few months, I have witnessed the compassion and dedication that makes the Hospice so special. It has been truly inspiring to see the unwavering commitment of our team staff, volunteers, and supporters working together to provide exceptional care for patients and their families
As the seasons change, we are reminded of the importance of cherishing memories and honouring loved ones. In May, our Memories on The Lake event will bring our community together for a moment of reflection, remembrance, and shared support. It is a poignant reminder that at Pendleside, no one grieves alone
Inside this newsletter, you’ll also find an introduction to our wonderful medical team. Every day, our clinicians collaborate closely with the wider Pendleside team to ensure the highest quality of care. As Medical Director, I am proud to work alongside such dedicated professionals and look forward to supporting the continued growth and development of our services together
Thank you for being part of our Pendleside family. Your support truly makes a difference to patients and their families throughout Burnley and Pendle
Stuart Finds Strength in Supporting Others
For Burnley-born Stuart Nixon, life has always been about connection, whether through his years as a Health Care Assistant at Burnley General Teaching Hospital or his involvement with local charities. That belief in the power of relationships has shaped his life, and now, following personal loss, Stuart is sharing his story to bring comfort to others and highlight the vital support Pendleside Hospice offers to those facing bereavement
Stuart met his late wife, Carol, in 2010 at Burnley General Teaching Hospital, where she worked in the Orthopaedics department. Their first date at a local pub left a lasting impression. “I knew I loved her the moment we met” Stuart recalls with a smile. “She told me she loved me by the second date—we used to laugh about that” They married two years later and shared a life full of love, travel, and fond memories, especially of Albufeira in Portugal, a place close to their hearts
Carol passed away in August 2024, aged 64 after a period of declining health. Stuart reflects that her grief over the loss of her son in 2017 had a lasting impact. “She lived the next seven years with a broken heart,” he shares
Having already volunteered at Pendleside Hospice, Stuart turned to its bereavement support services after Carol passed away. He began counselling sessions with Family Support Counsellor and Team Leader, Simon Frauts. “Simon supported me through such a difficult time. He listened and helped me find a way forward.”
warmth and positivity
encouraged him to facilitate Pendleside’s Bereavement Support Group Stuart embraced the role, creating a welcoming space where people can share their grief and build new connections “Everyone’s welcome” Stuart says. “No pressure, no judgement we’re all in it
Pendleside is a place where you immediately feel a warm embrace.
together” He also takes part in the Walking & Coffee Bereavement Support Group, combining fresh air, gentle exercise, and companionship. “You can have all the medication in the world,” he says, “but talking and getting involved—that’s one of the best remedies ”
Stuart’s outlook remains shaped by his spiritual nature and belief in life s purpose. “Carol and I meeting—it was meant to be,” he says. “Now, helping others is part of my journey” He s passionate about raising awareness of Pendleside’s bereavement support. “This isn’t about me—it’s about guiding others through loss. Pendleside is a place where you immediately feel a warm embrace”
This year, Stuart is proud to support Pendleside’s Memories on The Lake event at Thompson Park on Saturday, 17th May. This is a chance to honour loved ones by floating a personalised lantern on the lake. “It’s a time to reflect and remember the good times,” Stuart says. “Life is short—cherish the moments you’ve had.”
As he helps lead this meaningful event, Stuart reflects on his own journey from grief to giving back. “There’s always light at the end of the tunnel,” he says. “You might be at the beginning, but keep going—the light is the people who help you through.”
Join Memories on The Lake at Thompson Park in Burnley on Saturday, 17th May, and float a lantern in memory of your loved one
Elisha Bravely Shares Her Story at the Community Iftar
When Elisha s father, Mohammed Arif, passed away unexpectedly in September 2024, her world was turned upside down. Overcome with grief, she leaned on her mother, Kaye, and brother, Jordan, for support. Seeing her daughter struggle, Kaye reached out to our Family Bereavement & Support team for help
“Losing him felt like losing a piece of myself” Elisha says. “He was my best friend and biggest supporter. Pendleside Hospice helped me navigate this overwhelming grief, and I’ll
always be grateful for their compassion.”
Honouring his memory has become a key part of her life. Every Friday, she and Jordan visit their father’s grave to pray. On Tuesday 18th March, Elisha also took part in our community iftar, in collaboration with Marsden Heights
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 affected 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
Community College and Minhaj Welfare Foundation, where she bravely shared her story, and the support she received from Pendleside
Her dad was always there for her picking her up from college, singing along to music in the car, and bringing joy to her life. He worked as a mental health support worker until an injury in 2019 left him needing to take early retirement
Though he struggled, he remained strong. “I’d visit him every day, and when he felt up to it wed go for short walks,” she recalls
In September, her dad suffered a sudden heart attack at just 67. “I kept hoping it was a mistake,” Elisha admits. One of her last memories with him was sharing a homemade meal while watching TV— a moment she’ll cherish forever
At first, Elisha was unsure about bereavement support but she quickly found comfort in speaking with her counsellor, Andrea. “It was a safe space to share everything without fear of judgment” she says. A special memory from therapy was layering a glass jar with coloured sand, each representing moments with her dad. The jar now sits by her bed, a reminder of their bond.
With Andrea’s support, Elisha regained confidence, returned
If you’d like to learn more about Pendleside Hospice’s Family Bereavement & Support Services, please contact the team on 01282 440 102.
Individuals can refer themselves or we can accept referrals from relatives, carers health and social care professionals businesses, organisations and schools
to university, and balanced work alongside her studies in Accounting & Finance. “My dad was always proud of me. He believed in me and just wanted me to be happy. I never thought talking would make such a difference, but it truly did. Some days are still hard, but with the love of my family and friends, I’m learning to manage” or call us on 01282 440 102.
are free of charge, and you don’t need to have had any prior
Join others for a supportive morning of connection, starting with a gentle one-hour stroll from Pendleside Hospice, followed by coffee and breakfast together
First Monday of every month at 10am
440 127
Please call if you wish to join in
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
Please call if you wish to take part
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
440 102
Please call if you wish to come along
This service is free and available to those living in our local community.
Burnley College’s Remarkable Contributions
Burnley College has raised an impressive £5 822.07 for Pendleside Hospice in 2024 showcasing a strong commitment to supporting our local community. Through various fundraising events, students and staff have not only made a meaningful difference but also gained valuable skills along the way
Among the notable efforts was a 24-hour live streaming gaming fundraiser, a golf day that raised over £3 000, the sale of car raffle tickets, and funds raised at their annual Winter Wonderland event
Additionally, the College hosted a studentled pop-up shop. In this creative initiative students visited our retail donation and distribution centre, selected preloved clothing, and then marketed, priced, and sold the items to staff and students. This not only promoted sustainability but also raised valuable funds for the Hospice
Burnley College’s Dance and Performing Arts students also made a significant contribution, performing at Pendleside Does Strictly and the Corporate Challenge Awards Night. Their performances added excitement and entertainment while showcasing their talent and support for the cause
Additionally, engineering students designed and created trophies for the Corporate Challenge Awards Night, contributing their skills to make the event even more memorable
Neil Burrows, Director of Skills & Innovation at Burnley College, has been deeply involved with Pendleside Hospice. After raising £4,516 25 by participating in Pendleside Does Strictly in 2023, he returned in 2024 as a judge. Reflecting on the partnership, he said, “It has been truly inspiring to see Burnley College play such an active role in supporting Pendleside Hospice this year. Our students, staff, and wider College community have embraced the opportunity to give back, demonstrating a real passion for making a difference Pendleside provides vital care and support to so many people in our community, and being able to contribute whether through fundraising, volunteering, or supporting the Corporate Challenge—has been incredibly rewarding.
We are truly thankful to everyone involved at Burnley College for their ongoing dedication and contribution to Pendleside Hospice
Mohammed Arif with his children, Jordan and Elisha
Thank you to Burnley College for raising £5,822.07 throughout 2024
Elisha and Her Father, Arif
Elisha and Pendleside Counsellor, Andrea
At Pendleside Hospice, we also offer bereavement support groups for those living in Burnley & Pendle. All of our groups
connection to the Hospice
Walking & Coffee Morning Bereavement Support Group
Bereavement Support Group
Bereaved by Suicide Support Group
Fagan & Whalley: Going the Extra Mile for Pendleside Hospice
Fagan & Whalley has been a dedicated supporter of Pendleside Hospice for many years, offering more than just fundraising support. As a local business, their support extends to donating time, resources, and expertise to help families in need of hospice care
Laura Fagan, who has worked at Fagan & Whalley for more than 20 years, explains that the company’s connection to the Hospice runs deep. “Almost everyone here has some link to
Pendleside, and we’ll always do what we can to support them,” she says
Their involvement spans fundraising events like The Witch Festival, the Pumpkin Trail, and the Corporate Challenge, which raises vital funds for patient care. They also provide hands-on support, from transporting donated goods to assisting with the Hospice’s Christmas Tree collections by supplying a wagon, driver, and mapped-out collection routes
Beyond these efforts, Fagan & Whalley has made a real impact through special initiatives In May 2021, their team took part in March the UK, a virtual challenge that raised £4,439 for Pendleside Hospice and Blackburn Youth Zone. Employees across the country contributed miles, making it a truly collective effort
One of their most heartfelt contributions came in September 2024 when they helped grant one of the final wishes of Josh Healey, a 30year-old HGV driver and former employee who was receiving end-of-life care at the Hospice. Missing the road, Josh longed to drive a truck again. With the help of Laura and Compliance Manager, Martyn Richardson, an HGV arrived at Pendleside, giving Josh the chance to relive his passion for driving.
For Laura and the team at Fagan & Whalley, supporting Pendleside Hospice has always felt like a natural extension of their work and values. “What stands out the most for me at
Pendleside is how much they make you feel part of their family” says Laura. “It’s something about the feeling you get when you walk through their doors and the embrace you receive from the team – it’s really special.”
We can’t thank Fagan & Whalley enough for being a vital part of our Hospice family and for their ongoing commitment to supporting our mission.
If your business would like to support Pendleside Hospice, contact our Head of Corporate Fundraising, Elaine, on
Michael and Ryan’s 52 in 52 Challenge
Michael Dean and Ryan Aspinall, two local lads from Burnley, are tackling an incredible challenge to raise money for Pendleside Hospice
They’ve committed to running 52 half marathons in 52 weeks, starting on the 1st January, 2025. By March, they’d already hit 80% of their £2,000 target, which is incredible!
Michael, a primary school teacher at Stubbins Primary School in Ramsbottom, and Ryan, who is training to be a primary school teacher, are both passionate runners who decided to take on this challenge to push themselves physically! They wanted to raise money for a cause close to their hearts, as they both know people who have benefited from our care
“We’re both pretty impulsive when it comes to coming up with new ideas. We love running and wanted to take on a big challenge for the Hospice
The challenge has been fantastic so far, and we’re really enjoying it. Chasing after the kids all day in our day jobs is also great training for the runs! We’ve already faced a few challenges – the weather hasn’t been kind, and we’ve had to run on icy roads with hailstones bouncing off our heads! It can also be tough to get out of the door in the mornings when it’s cold, dark, and wet, but knowing we’re
doing it for such a great cause makes it much easier! If anyone would like to follow our progress, we’re logging everything on Instagram @52in52_2025 ”
Make a Difference, Your Way
Fundraise
for Pendleside Hospice
Whether your fundraising idea is big or small, we’d love to hear about it and offer our support as you work to make a difference for Pendleside Hospice
Individual fundraising can take many forms and every penny raised is deeply valued and essential to supporting patient and family care at Pendleside Hospice.
Here are some ideas to get you started:
Run, Jog or Walk
Create your own challenge like a marathon or a fun run.
Bake Sale
Organise a cake sale with family and friends to raise funds
Charity Event Host a dinner, quiz, or auction.
Sponsored Activity
Try a sponsored silence, haircut or skydiving.
Collection Box
Place a donation box at your business, school, or local venue
Craft Sale Sell handmade goods for Pendleside
Feeling inspired? If you wish to raise money for Pendleside Hospice, please contact our Supporter Engagement Fundraiser, Sheila on
Josh Healey inside one of Fagan & Whalley's trucks
Ryan Aspinall and Michael Dean
Tracie Returns to Bike Challenge to Honour Mum
Tracie Burton from Burnley is returning to Pendleside Hospice's Mountain Bike Challenge in 2025, following her successful participation last year, where she raised £884 48. This year, she is riding in memory of her late mother, Val, who received invaluable care from Pendleside during her battle with cancer
Tracie's connection to Pendleside began in 2020 when her father was supported by the Hospice. When Val was diagnosed in January 2024, Pendleside s care became essential for both mother and daughter Initially unsure about participating in the 2024 challenge due to Val’s fluctuating health, a conversation with her mother encouraged Tracie to take part. Despite little preparation, Tracie completed the 9 5-mile Demdike route with friends, raising far beyond her £200 target
“I wanted to give back to Pendleside for all their support ” Tracie shared. “It was hard to see Mum struggle, but I was thankful I could raise money while she was still here ”
The 2024 challenge saw 138 riders raise over £9,000 for Pendleside. The 2025 event, taking place on the 8th June, will offer three routes ranging from 9 5 to 32 miles, once again supporting Pendleside’s vital work.
For Tracie, participating in 2025 is a way to honour her mother, who passed away in August 2024. “I’ll be taking part again this year, and I hope others will join me in supporting this incredible charity. The work they do is so important, and it’s helped me through one of the most difficult times of my life,” she added. Registration is now open for riders of all abilities.
Meet Our Medical Team: Dedicated to Outstanding Care
At Pendleside Hospice, our medical team plays a vital role in providing specialist palliative care to our patients. Each day, they bring compassion and expertise to ensure our Inpatient Unit offers the highest level of support. With the recent appointment of our new Medical Director, Dr Louise Hilton, Specialist in Palliative Medicine, we are further reinforcing our commitment to delivering outstanding care
Physicians—Dr Khurram, Dr Ferheen, Dr Matt, and Dr Helen—and two Advanced Clinical Practitioners, Gill and Alice, who all provide daily care, work closely with patients and their families to ensure their needs are met with sensitivity and respect. We are also supported by two ELHT Consultants in Palliative Medicine, Dr Anna and Dr Alison, who bring additional specialist expertise, as well as an on-call GP, Dr Nadia, who helps ensure round-the-clock medical support. In addition, we regularly have doctors in training as part of our team, contributing to patient care while gaining valuable experience in palliative medicine
Collaboration is key to ensuring how we provide seamless care to our patients and their families. Each day, the team comes together for nursing handovers, patient referrals and admissions, as well as patient reviews on the Inpatient Unit. Louise and the team are also actively involved in education, training and mentoring medical students, supporting the next generation of doctors
Medical leadership and strategic direction are key to ensuring that patient care remains at the heart of everything we do at Pendleside We are also working closely with specialist palliative care teams across Pennine Lancashire to support the delivery and ongoing development of high-quality coordinated care. Through continuous improvement and innovation, our team is committed to making sure Pendleside remains a place of comfort, dignity and excellence for the people of Burnley and Pendle
