Northamptonshire charity Cynthia Spencer Hospice has launched a major fundraising campaign as it begins a year of events to mark 50 years of providing specialist palliative care across the county.

The hospice, which was officially opened by Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother in 1976, has unveiled its Big 50 campaign, encouraging 50 individuals, businesses and community groups to organise fundraising activities in support of its work during its anniversary year.

The launch follows a Moment of Reflection event held on 15 May, which brought together clinical staff, volunteers, fundraisers, corporate supporters and suppliers to recognise the contribution made by the hospice over the past five decades.

Hosted by Cynthia Spencer Hospice Charity chief executive Maya Joseph-Hussain, the event also welcomed Lord Althorp, who attended on behalf of the Spencer family. The hospice was named after his great-grandmother, Cynthia Spencer, Countess Spencer.

Maya said the anniversary provided an opportunity to reflect on how the organisation has evolved since opening its doors 50 years ago.

“Fifty years ago, when the hospice was built, it was a much smaller provision caring primarily for cancer patients,” she said.

“Fast forward 50 years later, the services we offer are much more diverse. We now have an amazing in-patient unit with 16 beds, we offer holistic care, a wellbeing centre and lymphoedema team, which offer support and tackle isolation, and our community nurse specialists are fantastic.

“We also fund a bereavement service and so much more. That evolution and progress would not have been possible without our clinical colleagues and wider Cynthia Spencer Hospice Charity team, volunteers, fundraisers and supporters. This is an opportunity to celebrate the difference we have all made to so many lives in so many ways.”

Lord Althorp said the hospice reflected the values associated with the family member after whom it was named.

“It was my first time visiting the hospice and it was wonderful to meet so many people and get a real sense of what the team do,” he said.

“For a place that, I know, deals with very heavy topics, there is a lovely energy and sense of community.

“The hospice was named after my great grandmother, who I never actually met, but I have heard stories from family members and people who knew her about how kind, compassionate, caring and considerate she was.

“It’s wonderful to see those values clearly echoed at the hospice and I know she would be deeply honoured to be associated with the charity – as are the rest of my family.”

The hospice’s anniversary programme will continue throughout 2026 with a series of fundraising events, including a black-tie gala ball and a 1970s-themed disco.

Funds raised through the Big 50 campaign will help support services for patients and families across Northamptonshire, with the charity inviting businesses, organisations and community groups to play a role in the celebrations by hosting fundraising events of their own.

The charity is encouraging businesses, community organisations and residents to get involved in its Big 50 campaign. Further details about the anniversary programme and fundraising opportunities are available at https://cynthiaspencer.org.uk/50years/

Image: Lord Althorp and Maya Joseph-Hussain, chief executive of Cynthia Spencer Hospice Charity, at the hospice’s Moment of Reflection event marking the start of its 50th anniversary celebrations.