The Health Secretary visited St Raphael’s hospice this morning in celebration of its 25th anniversary.

Andrew Lansley took a tour of the hospice before presenting awards at a guest reception.

He was also accompanied by the Sutton and Cheam MP and minister for care services, Paul Burstow.

The guests watched a six-minute film presented by June Whitfield which explained the importance of St Raphael Hospice.

Mr Lansley said it was a great privilege to come on behalf of the community and to express thanks for the care given by the hospice.

He spoke about his own experience with a hospice when his father died 16 months ago and said: “the hospice gave us the support we needed.”

He also spoke of how the funding of hospices can be uncertain and the importance of charity.

Mr Lansley backed the Give Your Quid campaign and said: “I hope the people of Sutton and Merton –as they have done so generously in the past- will give their quids in the future.”

Mr Burstow said: “What we have at St Raphael’s is a real jewel but it’s a hidden jewel."

He said we have to make sure the generosity continues for the next 25 years and he hoped people give generously to the Give Your Quid campaign.

Click here for more information on our Give Your Quid campaign