Tom puts pen to paper to support St Catherine’s

A long-standing hospice supporter has put pen to paper again to produce a collection of poems which will be sold to raise funds for St Catherine’s and his local church.

Tom Hicks, who was a volunteer driver for St Catherine’s back in the early days in 1986 and 87, has been compiling poetry diaries each year since 2003.

He and his daughter Rosemary Bird produce the verses and Tom pays for the production, meaning that all profits from its sale are split between St Catherine’s Hospice and St James’ Church in Lostock Hall.

He has also produced a poem dedicated to the 30^th anniversary of the hospice – which you can read below – which features in the diary on the month of August.

Tom, from Lostock Hall, said: “I enjoy writing and go away on writing breaks a couple of times a year when the creativity tends to flow.

“It has been great to have Rosemary involved with the diary again this year as it brings a new voice and new experiences to the book.

“I hope people enjoy the verses, especially the poem about the hospice’s 30^th anniversary. 30 years of St Catherine’s is a great achievement and I hope the poem celebrates this.”

Copies of the book are now available to buy from the gift shop in the hospice reception in Lostock Lane, Lostock Hall, PR5 5XU, priced at £3.

St Catherine’s Hospice – Service with a Smile

Thirty years since first we started,

Here to cheer the sick, down hearted,

Here to offer sweet relief

For a family’s care and grief.

From that day all memories sharing,

Precious part of tender caring.

Secret fears at last be spoken,

Every sad taboo be broken.

Here to offer care and blessing

Countermand all thoughts distressing.
Giving others reassurance,

Warming, brightening love’s endurance.

Through love’s window sun comes shining,

Clouds adorned with golden lining,

Pains relieved give place to rest,

Sweet the comfort; sleep is blessed.

Praise the staff and volunteers

Who throughout those thirty years

Demonstrated their vocation

With committed dedication.

Time to stay and be unhurried,

Time to calm and cheer the worried,

Time to smile and hold a hand,

Listen well and understand

All contained in loving care,

Time for peace and time for prayer

Time it costs and also money

Just to keep care’s weather sunny.

We will strive with every sinew

To ensure care will continue.

With your help as in the past

We can promise care will last

With that same devoted style

That will make St.Catherine smile,

Render service , raise our cheers

For another thirty years

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