Hospice waits for Princess

PATIENTS at St Ciemma's hospice in Leeds are eagerly awaiting March 30 when the Prince and Princess of Wales will open the new /2 million extension to the hospice.
"Our patients are living for the day. They all want to see the Princess of Wales," said Sr Mary, matron of St Gemma's, this week.
It will probably be the last official visit in England by the Princess, because of her pregnancy. The royal couple will tour the buildings and meet the terminally ill patients, and Prince Charles will unveil a commemorative plaque to mark the occasion.
The 46-bed hospice which cares for the chronically ill and has a day centre for the handicapped as well as its commitment to patients who are dying, needs £640,000 a year to keep going, on top of the bill for /2 million for the extension.
Groups and individuals all over the country are raising money to pay off the debt. One group raised £8,000 in a parachute jump, said Sr Mary. Another event, to take place on June 30 will be a sponsored rowing competition on Lake Windermere.
"This will include some important members of staff, so I hope they don't get drowned," said Sr Mary.