Gravesend hospice ellenor is celebrating 40 years in 2025

Back in 1985, ellenor was founded – and 40 years later, it’s still supporting the community it serves, across North Kent and Bexley.

A year of celebration is planned – and ellenor wants to hear from people with their stories and memories.

ellenor was founded by Graham Perolls, and with an anonymous donation, it began with one nurse and five patients cared for at home.

It’s grown significantly since then, with an in-patient ward at ellenor’s Gravesend base, hospice care at home, plus holistic care for patients and those close to them who need support after a life-limiting diagnosis.

A new wellbeing centre opened in November – a huge milestone in ellenor’s history and a building that will provide many people with much care.

Graham was inspired to start a hospice organisation after the deaths of his parents

Ellen and Norman; his dad died in a hospice and his mum in hospital – and it was this gulf in care between the two that inspired him.

Both Ellen and Norman, whose names form the portmanteau of ellenor, could live on through the work of others, to enable all to have only the best end of life care possible.

• Have you got memories or photos of ellenor?

• Was someone you know looked after by ellenor?

• Are you a relative of one of our first five families?

• Have you worked with or volunteered with ellenor?

• Have you been to our events?

• Have you fundraised for us?

• Are you celebrating in 2025 –a 40th or Ruby Wedding?

For more information visit: www.ellenor.org