THE “inspiration, courage and determination” of a campaigning North East woman was remembered yesterday as a North East hospice celebrated its 40th anniversary.
Mary Butterwick OBE sold her own home to found the Butterwick Hospice in Stockton after her husband, John, died suddenly of a brain tumour in 1979.
Mary died, aged 91, in 2015, but tributes were paid during a ceremony to mark four decades of priceless end-of-life care that has been provided to countless people thanks to her vision and selflessness.
The Lord Lieutenant of County Durham, Sue Snowdon, who unveiled a plaque to commemorate the anniversary, said: “Mary was a wonderful example of someone who cared so much for others that she was willing to give everything she had.
“Over four decades, Butterwick Hospice has become a beacon of compassion and excellence in end-of-life care.
“Today is a celebration but there is no complacency because the work must continue to serve the growing needs of the community. We must continue to draw strength and inspiration from Mary’s life.”
Butterwick Hospice Chief Executive, Edward Gorringe, also saluted Mary at the ceremony, which was attended by civic dignitaries, trustees, staff, volunteers, clinical partners and supporters.
He told the guests that Mary responded to the loss of her husband by using the proceeds from selling her house to provide holistic care for families with the emphasis on dignity, comfort and emotional support.
She bought a three-storey Victorian house in Hartburn Lane and opened the John Butterwick Day Care Centre in 1984.
Since then, the hospice has moved premises twice and is now located in a purpose-built building, which opened in 1997, close to the University Hospital of North Tees. Two years earlier, the hospice had opened a second site in Bishop Auckland.
Mr Gorringe told how a children’s wing was added to the Stockton site in 1998 following a campaign by The Northern Echo, in response to the death of Princess Diana.
Mr Gorringe said: “Our services will evolve as they have over the past 40 years. No-one can predict how they will look in the next 40 years, but we can commit to the legacy that’s been handed to us.”
Mike Bramble, chair of trustees, praised his fellow trustees for being “instrumental” in getting the hospice back on track after a challenging period.
“Our community has been brilliant in supporting us over the years and we are confident we have a safe hospice, providing the right end-of-life care for patients,” said Mr Bramble.
The occasion was used to announce Sir Pali Hungin as a hospice patron. Sir Pali, a long-term resident of Teesside, has had a distinguished career in general practice and hospital care over 40 years.
He was founding Dean of Medicine at Durham University when it was located at the Queen’s Campus in Stockton and is now Professor Emeritus in the Faculty of Medical Sciences at Newcastle University. He was President of the BMA in 2017.
Sir Pali said it was “an enormous privilege” to be a Butterwick Hospice patron, adding: “I am very proud to be a resident of Stockton and particularly proud that we have a hospice of this quality, with trustees who have such commitment and high motivation.”
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Guests included Mary Butterwick’s daughter, Julia Ward, granddaughter Karen Holder, and great-grandchildren Emilia and Edward Holder.
Julia said: “Mum would be delighted at what’s been achieved over four decades. So many people have played a part, not least the volunteers – without them, it wouldn’t be here.”
Emilia, 14, added: “It is amazing how she brought the community together and I’m incredibly proud of her and everything she achieved.”
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