STAFF and supporters St Teresa's Hospice gathered to say a fond farewell to a long-standing Trustee last week.

Mary Lovell M.B.E. has retired from her role at the Darlington-based charity after 25 years.

She said: “We all get great satisfaction from fundraising and by informing people of the help and friendship and ‘Giving to Life’ at St Teresa’s Hospice. I was brought up to serve the community, so there is satisfaction and pleasure in ‘service before self’.”

To mark the occasion, Mary was made an Honorary Life Member of the Hospice and was presented with the accolade by Chief Executive Jane Bradshaw.

She said: “Mary already has an MBE but there is one thing the Queen cannot award and that is Honorary Life Membership of the Darlington & District Hospice Movement. This is an award we do not give very often, and we choose to give only to those who have shown tremendous dedication to the Hospice. After more than 30 years giving her all for St Teresa’s we felt the time was right to give Mary the acknowledgement she deserves.

“In the 22 years that I have known Mary she has helped me through many challenges and has always been there to offer me support.”

Mary was also presented with flowers and a very special gift from the Strategic Management Team at St Teresa’s, a bespoke photo album with pictures of Mary in various engagements at the Hospice over the years, including being photographed sitting in a Lynx helicopter that landed in the Hospice grounds to launch 25th anniversary celebrations.

On receiving the gifts, a typically modest Mary said: “I am embarrassed by the love and attention everyone has shown me today. What I plead of everyone is that you carry on working for and supporting St Teresa’s Hospice because it is a truly worthwhile cause.”

For more information on the work of St Teresa’s please contact the Hospice on 01325-254321 or visit www.darlingtonhospice.org.uk