Our Recent History

In 2013, the League celebrated its Diamond Jubilee and to mark this milestone the League was keen to make a substantial gift to the hospital. After much consideration and discussion with the hospital, it was decided to fund a suite of rooms that could be used by relatives and friends visiting very ill patients receiving inpatient care in the hospital. The facility, comprising two separate hospitality rooms, a shared kitchen, toilet and shower facilities together with a shared communal conservatory and small patio/garden area was officially opened on 1st April 2015 by the Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, the League's Patron. The late Joan Bourner, a long-serving and loyal League of Friends' supporter, left a large legacy to the League, which has substantially funded this project and so it was agreed to name the suite in her memory.

In 2015 the League was immensely proud to receive the prestigious Queen's Award for Voluntary Service. This award recognises and rewards excellence in voluntary activities carried out by groups of volunteers who regularly devote their time to helping others in the community, improving the quality of life of others and for providing an outstanding service. We are delighted that the fantastic efforts of our volunteers have been acknowledged in this way.