Tributes to "kind, generous and visonary" community champion who helped found St Catherine's Hospice
Tributes have been paid to a Lostock Hall man who dedicated his life to helping others.
Cliff Hughes MBE, was a building services engineer by trade, but through his determination to serve, became known as a “beloved community leader and tireless advocate for South Ribble.”
He was a Conservative councillor for Lostock Hall on South Ribble Borough Council for 36 years before retiring in 2023, Vice Chair of South Ribble Scouts for a decade, and was involved with St Catherine’s Hospice for more than 40 years.
In recognition of his extraordinary contributions, Mr Hughes was awarded an MBE in the 2007 New Year’s Honours List for his services to St Catherine’s Hospice and the community of South Ribble, and was named Freeman of South Ribble in 2023.
St Catherine’s Hospice
Mr Hughes and his wife Rita began working for St Catherine's in 1982 when their first task was raising the funds needed to open the hospice. Initially chairman of the buildings sub-committee, Cliff negotiated the purchase of Lostock Hall Convalescence Hospital from the NHS – a major milestone in the development of the charity.
He became chairman of the board in 1989 and has remained in post until 2018, when he was made President. In 2024, he was announced as the Founder and Life President of St Catherine’s Hospice.
He steered the charity through countless developments and changes, including major renovations and improvements to the site in Lostock Hall; the launch of new and enhanced clinical services; and the introduction of pioneering fundraising events and campaigns, including the launch of the first hospice lottery in the country.
Cliff’s influence extended beyond bricks and mortar. He was instrumental in establishing the North West Hospices group, encouraging collaboration between hospice charities across the region.
Lynn Kelly, CEO of St Catherine’s, described Mr Hughes as “a pillar of South Ribble and St Catherine’s Hospice.” She said: “Cliff Hughes, a beloved community leader and tireless advocate for South Ribble, leaves behind a legacy of compassion, dedication, and transformative service. From his early days as a councillor to his pivotal role in developing St Catherine’s Hospice, Cliff’s impact will be felt for generations.
“Cliff was a man whose life was defined by service, vision, and an unwavering commitment to his community.”
In his final days, Mr Hughes was cared for by the very hospice he helped create—a poignant full circle of his life’s work. Ms Kelly added: “His legacy lives on in the lives he touched, the community he served, and the enduring strength of St Catherine’s Hospice. We celebrate Cliff Hughes not only for what he achieved, but for who he was—a kind, generous, and visionary man. We thank him for everything he has done, and we honour the warmth, strength, and dedication he brought to our community.”
Council
Mr Hughes was a Councillor at South Ribble for 36 years. In that time he developed an expertise for the planning system and served as the Council’s Cabinet Member for Planning. He spent a year as the Mayor in 1993/94 and was given the Council’s highest honour when he was made a Freeman of the Borough on his retirement from the Council in 2023.
Council leader, Coun Matthew Tomlinson, said: “We are deeply saddened by the passing of our friend and former colleague, Cliff Hughes. As a long serving councillor and Honorary Freeman of South Ribble, Cliff was truly a community champion. His dedication and work to support our residents, in particular to his constituents in Lostock Hall was admirable, and his work will live on as his legacy. Our sympathies go out to all of Cliff’s loved ones. He will be greatly missed.”
Councillor Keith Martin said: “Cliff was on the council when I was first elected and was eager to support new councillors in his role as planning portfolio holder. Always fair with a political glint in his eye when needed. Cliff also worked hard to help with his role at St Catherines supporting various functions. Thoughts are with Cliffs family, friends and colleagues.”
Scouts
South Ribble District Scouts said: “We’re deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Cliff Hughes, who gave over a decade of dedicated service as Vice Chair of South Ribble Scouts from 2013 to 2024. Cliff was a passionate advocate for young people across South Ribble. He truly believed in the positive impact Scouting has — helping young people gain skills for life, grow in confidence, and take part in life-changing opportunities.
“He was always generous with his time, offering guidance, encouragement, and a steady hand of support to our Trustee Board, volunteers, and supporters. Cliff took real pride in seeing the amazing work our volunteers champion every day to help young people thrive.
“Beyond Scouting, Cliff served his community with great distinction — a South Ribble Borough Councillor for 36 years, a former Mayor, and Freeman of the Borough. His dedication to public service and young people leaves a lasting legacy that will be remembered by many. Cliff will be greatly missed by all of us at South Ribble Scouts, and our thoughts are with his family and friends at this sad time.”