For more than 20 years, Mary Stubbs, our Supportive Care Coordinator, has worked in hospice care. She began her career as a Creative Therapist at Bolton Hospice, later supported patients on the Inpatient Unit during the COVID pandemic, and has been a valued part of our Hospice at Home team for the past 18 months. She describes her role at East Lancashire Hospice as a privilege, spending time with patients and their friends and families in their own homes, offering comfort, reassurance and specialist support. Mary reflects: “Being part of the Hospice team gives me hope that in the darkest of times there can be something positive by working together with love and compassion.”
Throughout Mary’s career, dogs have played an important part in how she looks after her own wellbeing. During her first interview in palliative care, she was asked how she would cope with the emotional demands of the role. Mary explains her answer was simple. “I come home, walk my dog, and spend time observing the perfect way dogs live in the moment. They have always helped me through tough times, and I have always been incredibly grateful for the positive experience they bring to my life.”
After a particularly challenging period, Mary felt the need to do something positive. With her commitment to hospice care and her belief in the comfort dogs bring, organising a fundraising dog show felt like a natural step.
Mary has organised dog shows in the past, each one bringing people together through shared joy and community spirit. This year, she’s bringing her experience and working closely with our Events Fundraiser, Lia, to create the Raise the WOOF Dog Show!
For Mary, the Raise the WOOF Dog Show is about far more than a fun day out. It’s rooted in everything she believes hospice care stands for: compassion, community, and the small moments that make a difficult time feel a little lighter. As she explains:
“I see the difference Hospice care brings to not only our patients but their friends and families too. If there is something, no matter how small, that can be done to make them feel a little better, then it’s worth doing.”
Mary knows that hospice care depends on the support of our community so we can continue being here for the people of Blackburn, Darwen, Hyndburn and the Ribble Valley. That’s why bringing people together for something joyful feels so important to her; seeing people come together, having fun and raising money for East Lancashire Hospice: “Hospice care depends on communities providing support. There’s no way we could exist without them. I hope the day brings in much‑needed funds to help the hospice carry on providing the specialist palliative care and support that our community so needs. I want to raise awareness of the importance of voluntary contributions to Hospice care; monetary and hours given. Most of all, I want everyone, especially our dogs, to have the best day.”
In the lead‑up to the event, Mary and Lia will be working with volunteers to prepare the showground, organise activities and make sure the day feels welcoming and full of character. Mary is looking forward to the event: “I’m already working on putting together activities to make the day the best it can be. There’s going to be some interesting dog activities and some good old-fashioned outdoor fun. We will have a range of stalls and a chance to look around Cheltenham Farm Retreat, which our hosts have generously donated.”
Mary’s message to anyone planning to attend is heartfelt:
“Please come along and join us on Sunday, 23rd of August. Have lots of fun. Soak up the atmosphere. Enjoy the community coming together. Give what you can, but most of all take away a positive feeling about hospice care. Fingers crossed for good weather!”
If you would like to support Mary and East Lancashire Hospice, we’d love to welcome you to the Raise the WOOF Dog Show, 10pm – 5pm at Chetham Farm Retreat in Bolton: https://eastlancshospice.org.uk/events/raise-the-woof-dog-show/
Dog owners, dog lovers, or people who simply want to enjoy a feel‑good community day while supporting local hospice care are all welcome!
