Local charity Herriot Hospice Homecare announced its public appeal to transform the former Lambert memorial hospital has been completed thanks to extraordinary community support – which includes a remarkable contribution from a UK-wide fund. I was proud to be a champion for the public appeal and thrilled at the overwhelming community response.
The Community Ownership Fund, a government initiative supporting projects nationwide, has injected £250,000 into Herriot’s plans to bring a much-loved community asset back into use as a new hospice for families across Hambleton and Richmondshire.
Together with community support to date, including almost £450,000 raised as part of a pioneering 36 hour crowdfunding appeal this July – the grant will see Herriot Hospice@The Lambert, Thirsk, open its doors this year.
When the Lambert Memorial Hospital closed its doors back in 2016, it was a huge blow to the community. At the time, I campaigned to keep the hospital open and, despite its eventual closure, worked closely with Hambleton Council Leader, Mark Robson, to secure the site for the community and ensure that it would continue to offer a mixture of health and community services.
I am heartened to know it will now be used by Herriot to offer vital hospice and emotional wellbeing services to families in Thirsk, Northallerton, Richmond, Stokesley and right across Hambleton and Richmondshire. This high calibre support for people going through the unimaginable is invaluable to rural communities such as ours.
The former Lambert Memorial Hospital holds a special place in the history of the town and this contribution from the Community Ownership Fund reflects not just the history of the building but its future here at the heart of the community.
Chief executive, Tony Collins, said: “We’re delighted that the Community Ownership Fund has recognised the unique history and heritage of the former Lambert Memorial Hospital, and its place at the heart of the community.
“Our community called for Herriot to bring this special building back into use, and our community have been behind the project every step of the way. Together with the enormous support of local people, this grant paves the way for a treasured resource to continue its legacy as Herriot Hospice@The Lambert, where it will remain in our community for generations to come.”
It will cost more than £1.7m to deliver the project, which will transform the space to offer six inpatient rooms, tailored space for emotional wellbeing and bereavement support, as well as a welcoming and inclusive Community Hub and an important base for the charity’s well-known HOME service which operates across the district.
As the project enters its next phase, the charity is urging people to continue their support to ensure this vital asset can serve the community for years to come.
Tony said: “All funds our community continue to raise will be essential as our new local hospice gets up and running, from helping us to grow a team of nurses and professionals to offer care from this very special site, to adding the essential touches to make our hospice a real home from home.” Find out more and support the project at: herriothh.org.uk/thelambert
