Former Liverpool legend Match of the Day pundit Mark Lawrenson becomes hospice patron
 |
Mark made the first draw in the new-look St Catherine’s Hospice Lottery last year, when the software was brought in-house. Soon after he began visiting more often, as his brother-in-law Graham Skeoch was being cared for on the in-patient unit.
He said staff had always ‘gone the extra mile’, including organising a birthday party when Graham turned 60.
Mark said: “Within a day of being at St Catherine’s, Graham felt settled and comfortable. This was so reassuring for us as a family too.
“The staff were fantastic – whenever you needed someone, they were there, and whenever you wanted space together, they knew that too. Nothing was too much trouble, and the party we celebrated together was such a special time.”
He said he was delighted to be asked to become patron and only too happy to take up the position.
“I’m proud to be associated with a wonderful local charity which does such important work,” he said.
“I know from experience what a difference St Catherine’s can make at extremely difficult times. But this is only possible thanks to the incredible support the charity receives from the local community.
“It takes a phenomenal amount of money to keep St Catherine’s going each year. I hope people will get behind them in 2015 - supporting the Give A Gift campaign and helping to ensure others can experience the hospice’s fantastic care now, and in the future.”
JH