North Devon Hospice patron retires after 34 years

The Countess of Arran has retired as Patron of North Devon Hospice after an incredible 34 years of service. 

One of North Devon’s most influential figures, Lady Arran dedicated over a quarter of a century to championing local hospice care and played a crucial role in the charity's development.

Lady Arran began her journey with North Devon Hospice in 1990 as President of the hospice board and soon became Patron. 

The hospice said that Lady Arran dedicated over a quarter of a century to championing local hospice care and playing a crucial role in the development of the charity.

North Devon Hospice Chief Executive Stephen Roberts said Lady Arran’s passion, dedication, and tireless commitment to ensuring vital care is ready and waiting for the people of North Devon will never be forgotten. 

He said: “Lady Arran has been the driving force behind so much of the growth and development here at North Devon Hospice. From spearheading the Light in the Dark appeal to build our beloved Bedded Unit to assisting greatly with securing funding for The Long House, our outreach centre in Holsworthy, there is no part of the hospice she hasn’t had a positive impact on.”

Beyond raising awareness of the hospice across North Devon and beyond, Lady Arran hosted numerous special events at Castle Hill Estate in aid of the hospice. 

Events such as Dreamwalk and the award-winning National Sheep Dog Trials significantly raised the hospice's profile regionally and nationally.

“Dreamwalk was one of our earliest and most memorable fundraising events, as were the award-winning National Sheep Dog Trials, both of which helped to significantly raise the profile of the hospice as a charity, regionally and nationally,” added Stephen. 

“Of course, neither of these flagship events would have been possible without Lady Arran’s boundless generosity and unwavering support. We will be forever grateful for her vital contribution and the empathy and kindness she has consistently shown to our patients, families, and staff over the past 34 years.”

In recognition of her support, a part of the hospice building where the care teams and Bedded Unit are situated has been named ‘The Lady Arran Wing.’ 

A special reception was held to mark the occasion, during which Lady Arran unveiled a dedicated plaque to commemorate her Patronage.

Lady Arran’s involvement with the hospice began after she moved to Castle Hill Estate in 1989 and felt inspired by a visit to Richardson House, the hospice’s first daycare unit in Barnstaple.

She said: “When I was first introduced to Richardson House, I was astounded at the wonderful care being offered there. It was a remarkable place, one that I’ve felt hugely privileged to be part of ever since.”

Reflecting on her time as Patron, Lady Arran recalled standout moments that made her years at the charity even more cherished. 

She said: “One of the most special times for me was when we were fundraising to build the Bedded Unit, with the Light in the Dark appeal. Hosting Dreamwalk at my home, Castle Hill, brought the whole community of North Devon together. The beautiful water screen in front of the house, with the voices of people from the hospice talking about their family members, was so moving and left a lasting memory that inspired support for the appeal.”

Throughout the years, Lady Arran was at the forefront of countless events at North Devon Hospice, including welcoming Her Royal Highness, the Princess Royal, to officially open the Bedded Unit in 2006, and leading a significant donor networking campaign for The Long House, which opened in 2015.

She said: “I feel so proud and blessed to have been part of this organisation for the last 34 years. It’s been an absolute privilege to be involved and watch the development of these extraordinary facilities that have been so needed. I want to say a heartfelt thanks to all the staff and volunteers whom I have met here over the years. They are the true heroes and heroines of North Devon Hospice.”