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Founder of Dove Cottage Day Hospice Chris Gatfield receives British Empire Medal in new year’s honours




A woman who felt called by God to help others is being recognised with a British Empire Medal.

Chris Gatfield first volunteered at a hospice in Grantham 29 years ago and following what she describes as “an amazing Christian conversion experience”, felt compelled to set up something similar closer to where she lived.

“I was at the Gifts hospice in Grantham, which later merged with St Barnabas Hospice, and I remember asking someone there, ‘Can anyone set up a hospice?’

Chris Gatfield, founder of Dove Cottage Day Hospice
Chris Gatfield, founder of Dove Cottage Day Hospice

“I roped in a few friends who supported me straight away and we broke what we needed to do into bite-sized chunks.

“The more we talked to people, the more they helped us and we were eventually given a derelict cow shed and pigsty at a farm in Stathern.”

It took Chris and her friends just 18 months to fit out and open the hospice, having won the support of Rotary and Lions clubs, scout groups and churches, as well as receiving donations of time, money and materials from tradespeople and individuals in the community.

Dove Cottage Day Hospice opened to its first guests in December 1996 and since then many thousands of families have benefited from the care and support it provides for people with life-limiting illnesses.

At first, the hospice served villages within a 10-mile radius of Stathern, with Chris feeling that those who were ill wouldn’t wish to travel for more than about 20 minutes to get there.

But about seven years ago, a social services worker in Rutland called to ask if a gentleman she supported could come to the day hospice.

“We said we weren’t able to provide transport to fetch him, which we did for people who lived closer,” said Chris.

“But the caller said this wasn’t a problem - that they would arrange this. Soon he was bringing all his mates with him!

“I then wondered if we could set up a small satellite hospice in Rutland, and thanks to a generous legacy we were able to launch this in Ridlington.”

Unfortunately, covid closed the hospice for over a year, and during this time the landlord of the Ridlington premises decided to sell up, meaning the site would not reopen.

Since then, Dove Cottage Day Hospice has established a monthly get-together at Empingham Cricket Club, at which guests can meet nurses and volunteers, have a meal together, and see therapists.

Chris, 70, retired from the day-to-day running of the hospice in March but remains very much involved as its honorary president.

In testimonials shared with Chris on her retirement, people had said that Dove was “a social oasis in a social desert”, that it provided “a day I look forward to”, and that it meant “you could forget your troubles for one day a week”.

The hospice she set up is now merged with Loros Hospice, although it retains its branding, name and premises, along with independence in its activities and funding.

“I feel Dove’s future is safe,” said Chris. “We have hopefully secured a legacy of care for future generations.”

As well as supporting guests and providing respite for their carers, the hospice has created employment opportunities and gives purpose and meaning to the lives of hundreds of volunteers.

To read more about this year’s new year’s honours, click here.

Share what Dove Cottage Day Hospice means to you in the comments below.



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