St Giles Hospice celebrated its 25th anniversary with more than 100 guests from across the region at the charity’s Birthday Luncheon

Patients, friends and hospice staff from the past quarter of a century were invited to help mark the momentous event with a three-course meal at The Old School House in Weeford near Lichfield on Sunday 13th April.

In addition to good food accompanied by live jazz music, the guests enjoyed wine-tasting and tips from Drayton Bassett-based Buzzard Valley Vineyard.

Peter Holliday, St Giles Hospice Chief Executive, said: “This was a most enjoyable occasion and it was wonderful to see people there who were involved with the hospice from its early years.

“Over the past 25 years St Giles has touched the lives of thousands of people, and benefited from the support of many more across the region. This luncheon was an opportunity to meet and thank those who have given their time to make the charity a success, and celebrate the lives of those it has helped.

The luncheon was 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 Anniversary Raffle. St Giles also has plans in place for a 25th Anniversary Garden Party, and a glittering Silver Anniversary Ball.

St Giles Hospice began 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.

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, with patients coming 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.

St Giles Hospice spends over £5million every year providing its specialist services. With just a third of this funded by the Government, the registered charity relies heavily on donations and fundraising.

Please click here to see a selection of images from the past 25 years.