Hospice West Auckland Patron Sir Graeme Douglas dies

[for immediate release]

2 September 2016

Hospice West Auckland Patron Sir Graeme Douglas dies

Hospice West Auckland’s Board and staff stand in silence with respect as we acknowledge the death of our Patron Sir Graeme Douglas. Our kaumatua Reverend Fred Holloway offers the whakatauki ‘Kua hinga te tōtara i Te Waonui-a-Tāne,’ a great Totara has fallen in the forest, adding he is a great loss for Aotearoa.

Sir Graeme’s patronage has been vital to Hospice West Auckland, allowing us to continue to build our expertise and service of our growing community.

CEO Barbara Williams says she will miss Sir Graeme’s advice and thoughtful contribution to Hospice West Auckland. “Sir Graeme graciously shared his encouragement, great leadership and support with me in my role as CEO, for which I am eternally grateful. He will be hugely missed by everyone.”

Sir Graeme’s generosity enabled us to establish our original social care team, from employment right through to vehicles, keeping them on the road visiting patients and families in their own homes. This means we have one of the most extensive social care services of New Zealand hospices.

Sir Graeme’s family has generously asked for donations to Hospice West Auckland in his memory, in lieu of flowers. We invite you to donate securely online: www.hwa.org.nz/donations/donate-now.

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About Hospice West Auckland

Hospice West Auckland is a registered charitable trust founded in 1985 to provide support and specialist palliative care services to West Aucklanders experiencing a terminal or life-limiting illness. Our care extends to families/whanau and carers and is offered at no cost to patients, their families and people whose loved one has died.

We offer practical, physical, emotional and spiritual assistance, help and support - we are here for people at end of life.

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