Hospice founder unveils commissioned print to celebrate charity’s milestone 

6 November 2025

Neil set up the official Katharine House charity in 1985, named after his daughter, Katharine, who sadly died of cancer at the age of 20. It took a further six years before the hospice opened, following incredible efforts in the local community to raise sufficient funds for building work to begin. The hospice was officially opened by HRH Princess Diana on 14 October 1991.

This year, the charity team commissioned a special print depicting the hospice by local artist, Cathryn Jeff, to mark the milestone in the charity’s history. The print was unveiled at a private event at the hospice by Neil, alongside the current Chair of the Board of Trustees, Sir Tim Jenner, and several volunteers, staff, trustees and other people who played important roles in the early years at the hospice.
Neil was also presented with a copy of the print in celebration of his 90th birthday this year. 

Speaking about his visit, Neil said, “As I walked around the hospice, I was struck again with how beautiful it is, and I know the care continues to be just as good. To be surrounded by many of the people who were involved in making sure the hospice did happen reminds me of the wonderful, symbiotic relationship the hospice continues to have with the community.”

Chrissie Earle, Clinical Support Worker at Katharine House Hospice, who has been working at the hospice since it opened said, “Having been here right from the start, it was so lovely to see Neil again at the hospice. I remember him walking around upstairs whistling as he went and the sense of community he brought.”

Georgina Lamb, who was presented with a gift for her 40 years of volunteering service to the hospice, added, “I wouldn’t have missed this for the world. From being on the fundraising committee in those early days to volunteering at the Bicester shop, I never wanted to do that for anyone else. I am Katharine House.”

Since July, the Katharine House Hospice team have been encouraging the community to share their memories of the hospice, whether fundraising events, early staff or volunteer memories or stories of their loved ones. The team received a large number of submissions, many of which can be viewed on the hospice website.