Hospice that supports families of children with life-limiting illnesses, including more than 40 from Oldham, publishes a new book

A hospice that supports the families of children with life-limiting illnesses, including more than 40 from Oldham, has published a new book.

A Worthwhile Error is the intriguing title of a fascinating new book about the history of Francis House Children’s Hospice.

The phrase was coined by co-founder Sister Aloysius FMSJ to describe the decision to build the hospice with hardly any money.

Her gamble paid off thanks to the overwhelming generosity of donors and the first children’s hospice in the north-west was duly built from a convent in Didsbury.

Chief Executive Revd David Ireland, who is from Dobcross, has been with the hospice since the start.

His first involvement was as an architect, designing the building.

He said: “The book is an in-depth look at the rich history of Francis House.

"It shares the stories of the many personalities involved including, most importantly, the wonderful families who have passed through our doors.

“Over the last three decades, hundreds of families from Oldham and the surrounding areas, have benefitted from the care and support provided by Francis House.

“With this book, we wanted to reveal all the various aspects of our work and the many wonderful people who have contributed over the years to help support the children and their families.

“People from Oldham and Saddleworth have given major support over the years, and we cannot begin to thank them enough.

"They too are part of the story of Francis House.”

In addition to his role as chief executive, David is a Minister at Oldham’s United Reformed Church in Union Street.

A number of the care team at the hospice are Oldham residents as are both members of the maintenance staff. 

More than 1,500 families have received help since the charity first opened its doors late in 1991, when Princess Diana performed the official opening.

One of the chapters in the book features her visit and that of her eldest son William, accompanied by wife Kate, to open a new wing of hospice for young people over the age of 16 in 2016.  

The book explains how brave youngster Kirsty Howard put the hospice on the map by raising more than £5m to ensure the charity’s survival when it was struggling financially. 

The glossy hardback book, written by author, broadcaster and journalist Andy Buckley, also details how Francis House has helped sick children across the world.

It has helped several countries establish hospice facilities, including Japan, Australia, Bosnia Herzegovina, Belarus, Canada, USA, Czech Republic and Latvia.       

A Worthwhile Error – The History of Francis House Children’s Hospice is available for £19.95 (plus postage and packing) by calling the hospice on 0161 434 4118 or from: www.francishouse.org.uk/online-shop

All proceeds will be donated to the care of children, young people and their families.

---

Do you have a story for us? Want to tell us about something going on in and around Oldham? Let us know by emailing news@oldham-chronicle.co.uk , calling our Oldham-based newsroom on 0161 633 2121 , tweeting us @oldhamchronicle or messaging us through our Facebook page. All contact will be treated in confidence.