Birthday cake, balloons, and party hats were the order of the day as faces old and new gathered to celebrate 30 years of Derian House Children’s Hospice.
The Chorley hospice threw open its doors this morning (Friday 20 October) – a special opportunity for its biggest supporters to take a look around the hospice and learn more about what it does for local families.
From some of the first ever families, staff and volunteers that stepped into the hospice, to the Mayor of Chorley, Tommy Gray, and the Lord-Lieutenant of Lancashire, Amanda Parker JP – people came from far and wide to celebrate three decades of care for seriously ill children.
Party guests helped themselves to plenty of cake and enjoyed live music while also taking part in activities, games, and learning about where their generous donations have been spent.
Derian House marked 30 years of care on 11 October 2023 – a huge milestone for the hospice that cares for 400 babies, children and young people each year.
Trevor Briggs, who was Hospice Manager at Derian House from 1994 to 2013, made a return to see what the hospice looks like today – 10 years since he retired.
“What a way to celebrate 30 years of Derian House – it has been great to be back.” Said Trevor.
“When I started, we were developing what was at that time a new concept – a children’s hospice. They weren’t very many at all at the time. Of course, things have changed a lot since the hospice’s beginnings – and that change and progress is fantastic for the families.
“Derian House has always been a very joyous place to work. Some people find that hard to comprehend, but it truly was – and from what I can see it still is. I was privileged to be part of such an incredible team.
“It has been good to be back, meet familiar faces from the past, and to see how the hospice has developed. I’ve got to say, I’ve missed the place and missed the people. It is a special place – it is and always was.”
Pat Fleming was one of the first parents to step foot into Derian House Children’s Hospice when it opened in 1993.
“Derian House was a huge part of our lives, we were always so grateful for everything they did for us.” Said Pat.
“The hospice has changed massively and I’m so glad there’s so much more support for all the families now. At the time, there wasn’t much support out there at all. When Derian House came into our lives, it was a lifeline. The compassion and love at Derian House has not changed, not at all. It really gives families hope for the future.
“The 30th birthday party has been fantastic. Even today, there are still things I’m learning about what the hospice does. There is so much more support now for families, and it is amazing to see.”
Songwriter Kiki Deville, a Patron of Derian House, came along to join the celebrations.
Kiki’s baby son, Dexter, was born with Zellweger Syndrome and died aged just one month and three days in 2007. He was cared for at the hospice during his short life.
“The atmosphere today at Derian’s 30th birthday party has been absolutely amazing.” Said Kiki.
“It has been incredible to see so many people engaging with the incredible work here. I’m so glad I got to share this time with everyone here – it is so very special to so many families.”
Karen Edwards OBE, Chief Executive Officer at Derian House, said: “We have been celebrating our 30th anniversary since the year began – we don’t do things by halves at Derian House.
“Our 30th birthday party has been a fantastic way to show all of our valued supporters everything that we do at the hospice – and what that means for our families. This has only been possible thanks to the hard work of our staff, volunteers, and our fundraisers.
“Thank you to everyone who joined us on this very special day to learn more about the compassion and care we have given our families over the last 30 years.”
Derian House cares for more than 400 babies, children, young people and their families from across the North West and is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Find out more: https://www.derianhouse.co.uk
