The doctor who founded Queenscourt Hospice insists “we need to lose the current self-centredness and competition which exists in society today” as she called for a new era of “generosity, encouragement, collaboration and kindness”.
Dr Karen Groves MBE also made a plea for more opportunity for education and training as she took to the stage at the annual International Women’s Day event at The Grand in Southport.
The hospice, on Town Lane in Southport, was officially opened by Princess Diana in 1991 after determined lobbying and campaigning by Dr Groves and her sister, Sarah, who was an ITU nurse at the time.
Dr Groves told how every obstacle the two sisters faced only served to “light a fire in our bellies” and drove them on even more determined to succeed.
Queenscourt celebrates its 35th anniversary this year after three and a half decades of providing expert medical support for tens of thousands of families across West Lancashire, Southport and Formby.
Queenscourt Hospice needs £7 million a year to provide its vital services for families; 80% of that is raised through fundraising and the generosity of local people and local businesses.
Dr Karen Groves MBE said:
“I am a proud Liverpool woman and I started my medical training in Liverpool more than 50 years ago.
“Dr Elizabeth Blackwell was the first woman to graduate in medicine in the US in 1849. There had never been a woman doctor before that. That was only 150 odd years ago.
“When I started in medicine 30% of the year were women. In 100 years that had really changed.
“And now 60% of medical graduates are women.
“When I was training, no-one had heard of palliative care. It didn’t exist.
“I know that this day is about women. And rightly so. I am one. But indeed the same applies to all people, regardless of their characteristics.
“As The Spinners sang some 40 years ago, we all belong to the same human family.
“If all people are equally encouraged to recognise their talents, and their skills, and their potential, we can all become our best selves – the selves we were made to be.
“And when that happens, given the opportunity for education and training, and being fired up by the challenges we face, there is no stopping those whose fire is lit.
“We need to lose the current self-centredness and competition which exists in society today. It does nobody any good.
“We need to replace it with generosity; altruism; encouragement; opportunities; support; mentoring; collaboration and kindness.
“That will multiply out and start an avalanche of inter-connectivity; reciprocity; and relationships, making real communities that can live and work together, in harmony and achieving so much more than we do on our own.
“We need to create a safe and sacred space in which the life and the dignity of every individual is encouraged to grow. Where everyone’s voice is not only heard, but listened to and acknowledged.
“Where barriers and obstacles are removed and past hurts recognised and acknowledged.
“Where all people are valued for their contribution to the whole – whatever that contribution, large or small, might be.
“We need to turn to look outwards towards others and see where we can generously give – to listen, and to really hear what the quieter voices are saying.
“To resource and finance time, talent and skills; to encourage people to learn, to grow, to try the untried, to be brave and courageous.
“To walk alongside with physical and emotional support, spreading the word, mentoring, teaching, training, drawing forth all that talent and skills.
“To empower with fitting praise and build confidence.
“It’s like the tale of the difference between Heaven and Hell.
“In Hell, each miserable looking person sits around a cauldron with rich, beautiful stew, with a 6ft spoon and tried to feed themselves, failing,
“In Heaven, everyone sits around the same cauldron, with beautiful stew, with a 6ft spoon, with which they are happily feeding each other.
“What a different world we could inhabit.
“May a fire be lit in the belly of everyone here today.”
International Women’s Day had a theme of Give To Gain this year as Queenscourt supporters enjoyed a fantastic day of fundraising at The Grand on Lord Street in Southport.
It was made possible through sponsorship from FPC, Churcher Estates and HFA Bridging & Commercial and supported by Stand Up For Southport.
FPC Managing Partner Moira O’Shaughnessy, Merseyside Women Of The Year Awards Founder Ellie Kerr and Queenscourt Hospice Fundraising Manager Liz Hartley spoke passionately about the need to support and champion women and about the immense work done by Queenscourt.
The day was hosted by John Coates, with a panel discussion including Dr Karen Groves, EFT Group Director Jordan Duggan and Stand Up For Southport Founder Andrew Brown, about the many amazing female role models we have in our community and how they are leading the way in improving our community for the benefit of all.
Entertainment was provided by singer Heather Jayne and dancers Charlotte & Bella.
Lady Marina Dalglish MBE was a VIP guest alongside Southport BID CEO Rachel Fitzgerald and Southport Royal British Legion President Serena Silcock-Prince.
VIP guest the Mayor of Sefton, Cllr June Burns, was presented flowers ahead of her stepping down from her role in May after three years supporting the local community.
Queenscourt Hospice is a local charity that provides support for the people of West Lancashire, Southport and Formby.
Queenscourt provides access to specialist palliative care either at home (including care homes), hospital or in Queenscourt via the Inpatient Unit or as an Outpatient. Queenscourt at Home supports patients, and those important to them, to be cared for in their own home, if that is their preference.
- For more details about Queenscourt Hospice please visit: Queenscourt Hospice | Where life is for living
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