A former conservative leader and major charity trustee paid a visit to a hospice for people receiving palliative care.

Lord Howard, chairman of Hospice UK joined staff at St Luke’s Hospice in Kenton on April 24 to learn about its many services.

As well receiving a full tour, Lord Howard also had the opportunity to meet the Hospice at Home, Single Point of Access, Brent Community Palliative and Care Home Support teams.

Lord Howard said, “I was impressed with the sheer energy, commitment and passion from everybody I met – it was a truly inspirational visit.

“I was also impressed at the extent of work the hospice does with local partners such as the NHS, local authorities, care homes and faith groups and the extent that St Luke’s are involved as an equal partner in the Integrated Care System.”

Hospice UK is a national charity for hospice care in the United Kingdom who support the work of over 200 organisations. As a member of the board of trustees, Lord Howard and his colleagues oversee direction and governance of the charity.

St Luke’s Hospice chief executive, Alpana Malde, said, “We were delighted to welcome Lord Michael Howard to St Luke’s today. In his capacity as chair of Hospice UK, he is well aware of the hospice sector and we had a very useful exchange of ideas and knowledge.

“We are delighted that he took the time to chat to team members around the hospice and to Radio Harrow. We look forward to welcoming him again in the future.”

St Luke’s provide care for people with cancer and other serious progressive illnesses, such as motor neurone disease and heart, lung and kidney failure.

For more information visit www.stlukes-hospice.org