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EllenorLions Hospice in Northfleet could change its name - a plan that upset some at the Gravesend Lions Club

EllenorLions Hospice could be set to change its name - a plan that has upset some at the Lions Club.

The possible change has come as the Northfleet charity - which provides hospice care right across north Kent - looks to review its identity in a bid to avoid confusion when fundraising.

The Ellenor Foundation was created in 1985 by Graham Perolls following the death of his mother and father – Ellen and Norman.

The Lions Hospice, in Coldharbour Road, Northfleet, was built in 1983 with an anonymous donation of £200,000 and with funds totalling nearly £1 million raised by local Lions clubs.

In June 1992 the Lions Hospice, as it was then, opened its doors.
In June 1992 the Lions Hospice, as it was then, opened its doors.

The two organisations then merged in November 2007.

There are now fears the ‘Lions’ part of the charity’s name will be dropped.

One Lion, who did not want to be named, said: “What the new name is going to be we don’t know, but it’s been suggested we take too much credit for what we’re providing - which is about 1% of the overall funding they get.

“What they’ve said is that we will get a wing dedicated to us in part of the building but we feel we should get the whole building, having fundraised to build it.

"We feel like we’re being elbowed out.”

Director of fundraising Rachel Holweger said reviewing the Northfleet charity’s identity is “first and foremost about providing the best possible care to patients and their families”.

She said: “There is often a great deal of confusion when talking about EllenorLions Hospices, with the charity and its services being referred to by a variety of different names.

“We need to alleviate this confusion and continue raising much-needed funds, in order to provide more care and develop our services for our patients, carers and families.

“Over the forthcoming months we will be reviewing our brand and looking at how it can be improved, ensuring we are clear with our message, focus and communication. We will continue to operate as EllenorLions Hospices until further notice.”

For more, see this Thursday’s Messenger.

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