All change at Lostock Hall hospice as three founders leave roles

The chairman, president and trustee, who have all been involved with the hospice since before it opened, have decided to step down.

Chairman Cliff Hughes has stood down from his role after nearly 30 years, but will continue in a new role as president, following the retirement of Dr Raymond Consiglio - also the hospice’s first medical director.

Trustee Peter Taylor, who was a founding member of a support group which fundraised to help open the hospice - will also step down. A vicar and retired chartered accountant, he will continue as Spiritual Advisor.

Stephen Greenhalgh, St Catherine’s chief executive, said: "The contributions of Cliff, Raymond and Peter are immeasurable and have helped shape the organisation St Catherine’s is today.

“All have been brilliant ambassadors for St Catherine’s and hospice care, helping the charity to thrive and grow with patients and families at its heart.

“On behalf of everyone at St Catherine’s past and present, and the communities across Central Lancashire the charity serves, I would like to say an enormous thank you for the valuable time, unwavering dedication and unique skills each have brought to their role and to the hospice. It truly has made a remarkable difference.”

The charity’s new chairman is solicitor John Chesworth, executive chairman of Harrison Drury.

Mr Hughes and his wife Rita have worked for St Catherine's since 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 ever since.

A building services engineer by profession, he has 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 exciting fundraising events and campaigns, including the launch of the first hospice lottery in the country.

He was also one of the instigators of a North West Hospices group encouraging greater collaboration between hospice charities working across the region.

Mr Hughes said: "Nobody could have imagined what the hospice would be like today when we started this venture. Many things have changed over the past 37 years, but our

commitment to helping people facing conditions like cancer, motor neurone disease and heart failure have the best quality of life right to the end of life is what remains a constant.

“It has been an honour and a privilege to serve in this role for so long. The time is right for me to step down, leaving behind a vibrant and capable board which is ready to rise to the future challenges and opportunities which are awaiting the charity. I am delighted to be continuing my association with this organisation through my new role as President."