Cllr Sheila Bain chose the hospice in Havering-atte-Bower as one of her two official charities during her year as mayor, which finished in May.
It follows the passing of her brother Ian, who died at his own local hospice.
“I know what incredible work Saint Francis does in caring for those with life-threatening illness,” Cllr Bain said. “I heard first-hand from families at a commemoration service at Brentwood Cathedral last year about their experiences of this hospice.”
Cllr Bain, who represents Wanstead Park on Redbridge Council, nominated Saint Francis and Guide Dogs for the Blind as her two official charities as mayor for fundraising events during her 12 months.
She presented a cheque for £36,550 to hospice chief executive Grazina Berry on June 25.
Cllr Bain personally experienced the difference hospice care made to her younger brother’s life before he died.
“Ian went into his local hospice where he found contentment,” she recalls. “He was a different person thanks to their care.
“You could forget that he was close to the end of his life. Ian never lost his sense of humour and didn’t dwell on his illness. He was there for three weeks and we were able to spend quality time together.”
She visited Saint Francis Hospice shortly after being elected Redbridge mayor and was “bowled over” with the “friendly and welcoming” set-up.
Their care also extends into the community with teams of healthcare professionals supporting people in their own homes with nursing, managing symptoms and pain and giving physiotherapy if needed.
The ‘Hospice at Home’ team supports people in the last weeks of life so they can die at home if it is their wish.
Cllr Bain’s fundraising as mayor has “contributed in a small way” to the hospice being able to continue its work.
Hospices are only part-funded from the NHS. Most of their running costs have to be covered by public donations to keep going.
