Sue Ryder welcomes news that His Majesty King Charles III will be their Royal Patron

Heidi Travis, Chief Executive Officer of Sue Ryder said:

“Everyone at Sue Ryder is absolutely delighted and truly honoured that His Majesty King Charles III will be our charity’s Royal Patron, continuing the legacy of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, who became our patron in 1993.

“Having His Majesty as our Royal Patron means so much to us. Not only does it help put a spotlight on the vital work we do and the care we give, but it also helps celebrate the vital contribution our supporters, volunteers and staff all have in being there when it matters.”

The announcement of His Majesty’s patronage shared on the first anniversary of Their Majesties’ Coronation, comes as Sue Ryder has launched a new vision and strategy to transform the experience of people who are dying or grieving.

“Everyone at Sue Ryder is working hard to help build a society where everyone is supported through dying and grief. Having His Majesty’s support as our Royal Patron will really help elevate our efforts.”

In a double dose of good news for the charity, His Majesty King Charles III has also confirmed continued Royal Patronage of Sue Ryder’s Leckhampton Court Hospice in Gloucestershire, where he became Royal Patron in 1986 as The Prince of Wales.

Over the past 38 years, His Majesty has been a regular visitor, making special memories for countless patients, families, hospice supporters, volunteers and staff at the Sue Ryder hospice.

Elise Hoadley, Service Director at Sue Ryder Leckhampton Court Hospice, said:

“We are absolutely thrilled His Majesty has chosen to continue his support of our hospice.”

“To have His Majesty choose to continue his vital support of our charity and our hospice as King is a huge honour for us all.”

Jo Cadogan is a therapies assistant at Sue Ryder Leckhampton Court Hospice and met His Majesty in 2018 during his visit as the Prince of Wales. Sharing her memories of the visit,

Jo said:

“His Majesty spent the day wandering through the hospice and chatting to each patient and all of the staff. One patient even said, 'he had all the time in the world to speak to me.' And that was exactly how it felt - he listened and was so invested in the stories being shared by everyone he met.”

“He asked me about my role, and I shared how passionate we are here about our patients' care, putting their wishes at the heart of all what we do here at the hospice and out in the community where we also give care to people at home. I am so happy I was able to share the passion we all share for Sue Ryder.”