This year sees the 25th anniversary of St Giles Hospice, and to mark the momentous occasion the charity is inviting people from across the region to attend a celebratory Birthday Luncheon.

Taking place on Sunday 13th April at The Old School House in Weeford near Lichfield, the 25th Birthday Luncheon includes a three-course meal and coffee, live jazz, and wine-tasting and tips from Drayton Bassett-based Buzzard Valley Vineyard.

Tickets are on sale from the Fundraising Team now, priced £29.50, and further details are available by clicking here, calling 01543 432538, or emailing sarah.shelton@st-giles-hospice.org.uk.

The luncheon is the first of a host of celebrations planned for the hospice, which cares for those living with cancer and other serious illnesses.

Anniversary events include a fundraising Solstice Walk in June, and a chance to win a fabulous new car in July’s Birthday Raffle. St Giles also has plans in place for a 25th Anniversary Garden Party, and a glittering Silver Anniversary Ball.

St Giles Hospice began its life at the former vicarage of St Giles Church in Whittington in 1983, when the then vicar the Reverend Paul Brothwell became concerned at the level of care given to terminally-ill patients in local hospitals.

Over the past 25 years it has developed into a centre of excellence, and the charity is now one of the 10 largest adult hospices in England, with more than 150 staff, 900 volunteers and fourteen charity shops. It also runs one of the most successful hospice lotteries in the UK.

Peter Holliday, St Giles Hospice Chief Executive, said: “St Giles has achieved so much in its 25 year history – and none of this would have been possible without the help and dedication of all our staff and volunteers, and the continued generous support of the local community.

“We hope that as many people as possible whose lives have been touched by the hospice will join us for our 25th Birthday Celebration.”

St Giles Hospice spends over £5million every year providing its specialist services. With just a third of this funded by the Government, St Giles relies heavily on donations and fundraising – including proceeds from the St Giles Hospice Lottery and the hospice’s network of 14 charity shops.

The hospice is a registered charity offering high-quality medical and nursing care for people with cancer and other serious illnesses, as well as providing support for their families and carers.

Patients come from across the hospice’s catchment area, which ranges from Ashby de la Zouch and Atherstone in the east, to Cannock and Walsall in the west – and from Burton and Uttoxeter in the north, to Sutton Coldfield and Coleshill in the south.

Care is offered at the hospice's facilities in Sutton Coldfield and Whittington between Lichfield and Tamworth, or in patients' own homes across the region.