Springhill Hospice founder to be honoured at special ceremony

Springhill Hospice founder to be awarded for her work

The founder of Springhill Hospice, Margaret Geoghegan, is to receive the honorary Freedom of the Borough from Rochdale Borough Council.

Margaret will receive the honour during a ceremony at the town hall on Sunday 22 February in front of the mayor, councilors, family, colleagues and friends.

The Mayor of Rochdale Councilor Robin Parker praised Ms Geoghegan for her contribution to Springhill and her tireless charity work:

“By accepting this honour, Margaret will be in esteemed company. She is a remarkable woman and a fantastic ambassador for the borough.”

Conservative Party Leader Ashley Dearnley said he was delighted that Margaret will receive the honour:

“It is richly deserved for her vision and sheer determination to establish the hospice in our town. This is such a vital facility for people in the greatest need and everyone living in our borough should feel indebted to Margaret for this wonderful achievement. It is only fitting that we honour her.”

The hospice opened in 1989, and provides Specialist Palliative Care for people with life-limiting illness. In addition to services for patients, care is extended to the patients’ carers and families. It is an independent charitable organisation and relies on voluntary contributions in order to keep the doors open.

Christine Webb, Chief Executive of Springhill Hospice said Margaret devoted many years to raising funds to build the hospice, and continues to work hard to promote it:

“She has always considered Springhill as the Peoples Hospice and has taken great pride in watching the services on offer to patients and their families grow over the years. Anyone who has met Margaret will understand the determination and passion she has. Rochdale was so lucky that she had the idea of a hospice and was able to devote so much time and energy in making the plan a reality. Even to this day Margaret is actively involved in the work of Springhill. The Hospice staff and volunteers are so pleased that she will be given this award.”

Freedom of the Borough is the highest honour that can be bestowed upon an individual by a local authority.