MARKING its 35th anniversary, the Earl Mountbatten Hospice is celebrating its growth and achievements over the years.
The hospice was officially opened in 1982 by the Duchess of Kent after a campaign spearheaded by the now retired Dr Desmond Murphy.
He has vivid memories of the formal opening.
Dr Murphy said: "Most of all, my memory of that visit was of the Duchess working with the patients, chatting to them, meeting them and making them feel really special.
"It was a very memorable day for me; the overriding feeling was certainly satisfaction and happiness at how the day had gone."
From humble beginnings, the hospice now has more than 600 volunteers and raises millions of pounds each year to keep the services running.
To help spur on fundraising efforts, the hospice has launched an anniversary badges scheme.
Bronze, silver and gold anniversary badges will be awarded to anyone who raises £35, £350, or £3,500 respectively.
There will also be an open day at the John Cheverton Centre between 10am and 1pm on Friday, January 27.
To mark the start of their 35th anniversary year, a photograph with staff and volunteers was taken with help from an Island Roads’ cherry picker.