Shirley McDonald presents HRH Princess Alexandra flowers at St Christopher’s Hospice in Sydenham

BY TOBY PORTER – toby@slpmedia.co.uk

A hospice got a royal visitor when she met patients, their families and staff.

Her Royal Highness Princess Alexandra visited St Christopher’s Hospice in Lawrie Park Road, Sydenham, on Thursday where she spoke with patients who are being supported by the hospice.

The Princess visited three wards, where patients and their families were delighted to have the opportunity to meet and talk with Her Royal Highness. Afterwards, the Princess joined more patients, staff, volunteers and hospice supporters in the hospice’s café, to speak with them over afternoon tea.

She was  presented with a bouquet of flowers by volunteer Shirley MacDonald, from Peckham Rye, who said: “It was lovely to be asked to present Her Royal Highness Princess Alexandra with a bouquet of flowers. I thanked her for supporting St Christopher’s, and we talked about how important volunteers are at the hospice, giving their time on the wards, in the gym, charity shops, and much more. I’ve been a volunteer here for 22 years and it’s so nice that all the work and care that goes into supporting local people is recognised.”

Heather Richardson, joint chief executive at St Christopher’s said, “It was an honour to receive Her Royal Highness Princess Alexandra at the hospice. The Princess has supported St Christopher’s for many years, and has seen the enormous difference that good hospice care is making to local people, and their families; supporting them to live their lives well when they are nearing the end of life.”

Her Royal Highness Princess Alexandra has been Patron of St Christopher’s since 1981 and regularly visits the hospice to see in person the valuable work that she supports. Her Royal Highness was welcomed on arrival at the hospice by Morgan Jones, Chairman of St Christopher’s Board and St Christopher’s joint chief executive, Heather Richardson.

Picture: Shirley McDonald presents HRH Princess Alexandra flowers at St Christopher`s Hospice in Sydenham