St Cuthbert's Hospice

05/06/2026

In the lead up to our Chief Executive, Laura Barker, and Head of Clinical Services, Pauline Sturdy, spent time joining some of our volunteers.

Both shared that it was a hugely rewarding experience and a real joy to hear directly from the people who support us in every single area of our Hospice.

Thank you to all volunteers who help to keep us caring 💚

04/06/2026

Thank you to the wonderful team at Ramside Hall for proving meals for our patients while our kitchen has been out of action as the flooring has been replaced. They’ve kindly helped out Tuesday, Wednesday and today!

It’s a hugely appreciated gesture by all of us, and of course the people we are caring for at this time. Twenty five meals collected today 💚

04/06/2026

We're so sorry, our Coffee Shop will be closed again today as we finish up the essential works in our kitchen. We should be back open tomorrow, but will update here and on our website should anything change. Thanks for your understanding. Hope to see you soon!

03/06/2026

Good Luck George!
Today’s the day the 100 year old fundraiser sets off on his amazing walking challenge. We’re so incredibly grateful to him for supporting us and helping to raise funds for our charity in memory of his daughter in law Judith 💚

To sponsor George please visit: https://gofund.me/f00b62d22

Meet George 💚

George Stafford, originally from Ebchester, is currently living in Greenways Court, Consett.

He will turn 100 on 30th May, and in celebration, he plans to do a somewhat spontaneous sponsored walk. George told us: “I didn’t really plan it, I just woke up one morning and thought that it was something I wanted to do. If it’s good enough for Captain Tom, it’s good enough for me!”

George, who walks independently but with the use of a stick, will walk 1.5 miles from The Travellers Rest back to Greenway Court. The route was chosen for its terrain and will see him walk past a local school that has kindly arranged for the children to cheer him on when he passes by. George said: “I used to be a teacher, it’ll be nice to have the children wave me on. I’ve never been one to just go for a walk, unless it was on the golf course, but it’s been a long time since I did that. I don’t intend on doing any practice – I’m just saving myself for the big day. I love the staff here at Greenways Court, and they’ll keep me right on the day.”

When asked about his reason for choosing to fundraise for St Cuthbert’s, George explained: “My daughter-in-law Judith was cared for a few years ago at St Cuthbert’s Hospice. She spent a fortnight in their wonderful care, and I visited her a few times during that period. It was very impressive with beautiful gardens and a greenhouse. It’s a nice way to give back and I just want to make some money for them.”

It was an absolute delight to meet George ahead of his 100th birthday and hear all about his fundraising plans.

If you’d like to sponsor him please visit: https://gofund.me/6b0fb75a9

02/06/2026

Later this month Ryan Pearson, Ellis, Rick and Aaron Roffe are taking part in the Kielder Half Iron-Man! A gruelling 1.2mile swim, 56 mile cycle, finished off by a 13.2 mile run.

They’ve been doing training, training and more training for the past few months to get themselves ready for the big day. They were even out running last weekend in the heat wave 🔥

When we commented how amazed by their dedication we were they simply said it was no match to the amazing dedication that our care teams give each and every patient who we care for 💚

If you’d like to drop them a donation to help them reach their target please visit: https://gofund.me/784b3a3be

01/06/2026

Today marks the first day of Volunteers’ Week, a chance for us to celebrate all of the incredible volunteers who help in every single area of our Hospice.

Without them we simply could not provide the compassionate care that we do. Every hour generously given by a volunteer, makes a difference to the people in our community who need our care.

Thank you for all that you do 💚

01/06/2026

“I would like to thank all the staff at St Cuthbert’s for the great care and support given to Barry and myself in the 4 weeks he was with you, he sadly passed away one year ago today. We love and miss you every day Barry”

All day today, for twenty-four whole hours, our Full Hospice costs have been donated in loving memory of Barry Herbert with a ‘Pay for a Day’ donation.

We are so very grateful to Barry’s family and friends for funding today's care in his memory 💚

29/05/2026

We’re having some essential works done in our kitchen Monday 1st June - Wednesday 3rd June, so will need to close our Coffee Shop.

Sorry for any inconvenience caused. Hope to see you again once we reopen ☕️

28/05/2026

Meet George 💚

George Stafford, originally from Ebchester, is currently living in Greenways Court, Consett.

He will turn 100 on 30th May, and in celebration, he plans to do a somewhat spontaneous sponsored walk. George told us: “I didn’t really plan it, I just woke up one morning and thought that it was something I wanted to do. If it’s good enough for Captain Tom, it’s good enough for me!”

George, who walks independently but with the use of a stick, will walk 1.5 miles from The Travellers Rest back to Greenway Court. The route was chosen for its terrain and will see him walk past a local school that has kindly arranged for the children to cheer him on when he passes by. George said: “I used to be a teacher, it’ll be nice to have the children wave me on. I’ve never been one to just go for a walk, unless it was on the golf course, but it’s been a long time since I did that. I don’t intend on doing any practice – I’m just saving myself for the big day. I love the staff here at Greenways Court, and they’ll keep me right on the day.”

When asked about his reason for choosing to fundraise for St Cuthbert’s, George explained: “My daughter-in-law Judith was cared for a few years ago at St Cuthbert’s Hospice. She spent a fortnight in their wonderful care, and I visited her a few times during that period. It was very impressive with beautiful gardens and a greenhouse. It’s a nice way to give back and I just want to make some money for them.”

It was an absolute delight to meet George ahead of his 100th birthday and hear all about his fundraising plans.

If you’d like to sponsor him please visit: https://gofund.me/6b0fb75a9

27/05/2026

A Fond Farewell to Our Houghton le Spring Shop 💚

After 14 wonderful years at the heart of the community, today is the last day of trading for our charity shop on Newbottle Street.

Despite our team’s incredible efforts and your generous support, fewer visitors in the area have made it hard to keep the shop going. Charity shops rely on busy high streets to raise the funds that make our hospice care possible — and without enough footfall, even the best stock and most dedicated volunteers can’t reach as many people as we need to keep going.

THANK YOU to every shopper, donor, and volunteer who has supported us over the years. You’ve helped raise vital funds for hospice care across County Durham, and we’re so grateful.

• The store will remain open until 4pm today.
• We’re so grateful to our amazing staff and volunteers. Many will stay part of the St Cuthbert’s family, continuing their incredible work in our other charity shops.
• All our other St Cuthbert’s shops remain unaffected and would love to welcome you.

Your support means the world — and helps us continue caring for local people when they need us most. 💚