Celebrating 40 years of compassionate care

Hospice building started

The idea of establishing a Hospice for our local area was first discussed in the early 1980s, and efforts began soon after, with fundraising, the purchase of the site

in 1981, and then the start of building work in 1984. By 1985, the building was finished – the last brick was laid in February and the building was handed over to the trustees that summer – 40 years ago. Hospice Building in progress

It was opened to the public for tours during August and September, and the first patients were admitted to the In-Patient Unit in November 1985. The following March saw the ‘official’ opening by HM Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother.

We’ve been delighted to gather together some of the stories of just a few of the many people who have contributed to 40 years of compassionate care, including some of our volunteers and staff, past and present.

Hear from some of our volunteers on our podcast

This summer, we’ll be celebrating 40 years of compassionate care, but most importantly, we’re also focusing on the future. We want to be here to deliver the best care before, during and after death, for decades and generations to come. Just as the Hospice was founded and funded by our local communities back in the 1980s, it’s that community support that makes everything we do today possible.

Hear from some of our staff, past and present

Alain Bakas

We will never be able to thank the team at Princess Alice Hospice enough for the love, care, dignity, and compassion they showed our papa and our whole family. They cared for my papa for a month, and then welcomed him back again for his final 8 days before he passed on 3rd April 2026. Every single member of staff became like family to us during the hardest time of our lives. Their kindness, patience, support, and genuine compassion will stay in our hearts and minds forever. They not only cared for our papa with dignity and respect, but they also supported all of us emotionally every step of the way. We are so grateful for everything they did for our papa and for the comfort they brought him in his final days. Thank you again to the entire team for the incredible work you do every day. You are truly special people, and we will never forget you.

Darek Kubik

The shop in Claygate on Parade is well run and stocked place. The manager Mrs Roheana is helpful and friendly person...well done

Nicola Jeebaun

So grateful for the kind and caring team at Easher. They supported us so much while spending our last days with mum Will always be grateful From the Greenaway family

Stephen Nicholson

I'm deeply grateful for the exceptional care and support provided by Princess Alice Hospice in Esher. Their warm and helpful staff made a significant difference during a difficult time after losing my grandfather to prostate cancer in July 2017. The bereavement team and therapy offered were invaluable in helping me cope with the loss and navigate my grief. I'm thankful for their kindness and dedication. Massive shout out to Lynne my bereavement councillor who was incredible with me, I’ll never forget you.

Jo G

My Mum was there for 3 weeks before she passed away in Nov . The staff and level of care was amazing, she was loved by the staff. They couldn't of done more for her. Myself and my sister were also supported. We donated a large memorial feather in our Mums memory. It's such a shame that most if their funding comes from donations.

Robert Crapnell

1st class care for my wife, I will never forget the care and attention. My will has provsion to say thank you.

Ruby Bhurji

My dad passed away in jan 26th 2005. The staff was amazing. So supportive through our difficult times. They really looked after dad. They always had a smile on their faces. So grateful for everything they did for dad and us. Just want to say a big thank you and keep up with all the hard work you all do.

Rosanna Stech

The call out night service team of Princess Alice were amazing with my Granny in her last few days. She was able to stay in her own home and have their amazing team look after her when we called them. I would like to especially say a big thank you to Camilla who was always so cheerful, professional and put us at ease when we really needed it. She would remember our family members names despite being called out to a number of houses every evening and was always a reassuring voice when she answered the phone. She made a real difference to my Granny’s end of life and I wouldn’t have wanted her to be under any other care. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

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Celebrating 40 years of compassionate care

The idea of establishing a Hospice for our local area was first discussed in the early 1980s, and efforts began soon after, with fundraising, the purchase of the site

Caring words from our community...