The Bishop’s Lent Appeal 2023 has helped to raise money for the new Priscilla Bacon Lodge hospice building, which will increase capacity for end of life specialist care in Norfolk and Waveney.
Bishop Graham says, “As we mark the first anniversary of our dear friend The Venerable Ian Bentley’s death, it brings great solace to see the generous sum of almost £18,000 raised in his memory for the new Priscilla Bacon Hospice.
“This would have resonated with Ian’s ministry prioritising the pastoral care for others and I hope it brings his family comfort as we all continue to remember him with great fondness. Thank you to everyone who contributed so generously to my Lent Appeal.”
Archdeacon Steven says, “The new hospice, which the Lent Appeal supports, will enable others who need hospice care to be able to access it when necessary.
“Many of us still miss Ian’s faith and sense of humour, not least his family, and the generosity to the Lent Appeal is a fitting tribute to Ian’s legacy in the Diocese.”
The current lodge was built in 1979 and was donated to the NHS after the facility was built. Since then, several factors have led to a chronic lack of specialist palliative care beds within Norfolk and Waveney.
The new Priscilla Bacon Lodge is being built on an 8 acre site next to the Norfolk and Norwich hospital. It will have capacity for 24 beds, providing specialist end of life care in Norfolk and Waveney, supporting those with the greatest and most acute needs. The new facility will also have a wellbeing centre, office space, education rooms, a chapel and secluded gardens.
Ian Bentley, the former Archdeacon of Lynn, was diagnosed with cancer and died on 31 May 2022 having been cared for in his final days by staff at the current Priscilla Bacon Lodge in Norwich.
The Appeal is still open and donations can be made via the link below.