Terminal care worker is honoured

ONE of the founders of Les Bourgs Hospice has been given an honorary MBE. Maura Stacey (pictured) was delighted to learn that her many years' work treating and supporting terminally-ill people had earned her the award.

But she said she could not have done it without the support she has received from islanders.

'I'm absolutely elated, but it's really thanks to the public support that helped me along with the hospice,' she said.

'It was an unbelievable honour, really.'

Mrs Stacey, who was born and brought up in Monaghan in the Republic of Ireland, came to Guernsey in 1961.

She was a newly-qualified staff nurse and moved through the ranks to ward sister.

During her time at the PEH Mrs Stacey was instrumental in setting up Arnold Ward, the coronary care unit.

'Guernsey didn't have a coronary care unit until then,' she said.

She was put in charge of Les Bourgs Hospice in January 1991. Between then and the end of May that year, she appointed staff and recruited volunteers.

'The doors opened on 3 June 1991. I remember that because it was my husband's birthday,' she said.

More than 10 years on, Mrs Stacey retired from Les Bourgs in December 2001.

But she has not given up work altogether.

She has since set up a bereavement centre in Fountain Street and a 24-hour line for bereaved people who need support and advice.

Not tempted by the glamour of being awarded her MBE at Buckingham Palace, Mrs Stacey is hoping that Lt-Governor Sir John Foley will perform the ceremony locally.

'I think it's something nice for the people of Guernsey, something that should be shared with them,' she said.

'I feel that the whole of Guernsey should have the same award for the support they've given me over the years. My friends have been fantastic - I've had a lot of support.'

Mrs Stacey's award is an honorary MBE because of her nationality.

The Queen honours British citizens, although occasionally she awards honorary titles to non-Britons in recognition of the work they have done.

* The Guernsey Bereavement Service can be contacted 24-hours-a-day on 251056.