Prospect's courageous fundraiser was our speaker on 3rd March 2025

Our speaker at this meeting was Sinead Nolan-Martin, the Community & Events Fundraiser at Prospect Hospice.

Prospect Hospice is a charity offering end of life care to local residents. Now based in Wroughton, it began in 1980 as the Prospect Foundation initially operating a two-nurse, home-based nursing service.  Soon the Prospect Nurses were caring for patients beyond Swindon: in Highworth, Royal Wootton Bassett, Marlborough and Lechlade.

During her talk Sinead, shared her personal story and those of some of the other patients which Prospect has helped. The stories were very moving and it was clear to all who heard her how valuable the service is. 

The hospice celebrated 45 years in January this year with a visit from Her Majesty the Queen

As Prospect Hospice moved into a second decade new premises were needed. This led to a community appeal to get a purpose-built hospice. It was headed by the late honorary president David Margesson MBE and raised the necessary £3 million by 1995. Later that year, Princess Anne officially opened the new building.

The care offered for people who are dying is much more than just their final days. Prospect has expanded its services to include: a Day Hospice, a Family Support Team, a Therapy Team and the Prospect@Home service. Much of the activity of the Prospect team is carried out in the patient’s own home. The support offered extends beyond palliative care to helping patients and their families with any and all of the challenges they face. 

Although the hospice previously had six beds, financial pressures have meant that it has had to reduce this to three. Finance and fund raising is a major challenge. 

Prospect Hospice is a charity, funded primarily by the local community. Each year it costs several million pounds to provide the care that patients and their families depend on. Only a quarter of the funding comes from statutory organisations like the NHS – the rest is raised by the Prospect team. 

One aspect of their diverse approach to fund raising is the onsite cafe. It is staffed by volunteers and is open to the public. It has a breakfast club and offers event catering. All the profits go to the charity. 

Led by Rotarian Terry Williams, the meeting's host, members expressed their sincere best wishes to Sinead and all the members of the Prospect team who provide such a valuable service to the community. 

Prospect Hospice Website

Wiltshire widow doing charity Iceland trek in memory of husband

Swindon woman's Prospect Hospice charity trek in memory of late husband

Sahara Desert trek for widow in memory of Swindon cancer victim

Sinéad Nolan-Martin, whose husband Harry was cared for by the hospice, said “Harry touched many hearts. Our life together was short but our love and memories eternal. He inspired beauty and is the reason I’m grateful for life. I miss my sweet husband constantly, yet he’s with me in each way I honour his short but remarkable life."