It was in 1991 that the hospice welcomed its first patient through the doors, but the story of how the charity was formed can be traced right back to the 1970s and 80s.
Your hospice history
1970-80s
The history of the hospice begins as early as the 1970s and 80s. Discussions were happening between health care professionals, community leaders, carers, patients and many more regarding the creation of a hospice in Carlisle to serve the surrounding area.
But it was a woman called Gill Melrose who really got the project underway after the death of a friend. She saw that Carlisle and the surrounding communities needed a place where people could go “to die with dignity and respect” – and so a campaign was launched to provide just that.
This culminated in 1986 with a letter to 76 local GPs, asking them to support Gill’s campaign. She had 75 replies, unanimously agreeing that such a facility was sorely needed.
Establishing the hospice
Local support rallied around the campaign, with an article in ‘The Cumberland News’ requesting support and Tom Crellin, president of one of the local rotary clubs, getting involved. Shortly after this, a public meeting was held in the Swallow Hilltop Hotel in Carlisle, where a £1 million fundraising appeal was launched. With help from broadcaster Martyn Lewis, the meeting was a great success, with the whole community uniting to make the dream of a hospice for north Cumbria a reality.
In 1990, land formerly used as a brickworks site on Durdar Road was donated by Laing Builders, and construction of the hospice was soon underway.
1991: First patients admitted
On 24th October 1991, the hospice was complete, and the first patients were admitted to the day care unit. The first inpatient, an 11-month-old baby, was admitted the following year.
By this time, the hospice had eight inpatient beds and could take up to 15 people in day care.
The early days
In 1992, Eden Valley Hospice’s retail operation was formally established, with the first charity shop opening around this time in the Kennedy Centre on Lonsdale Street, helping to secure a vital and steady income stream for the hospice.
By 1994, a further four beds had been added, completing the initial 12-bed plan.
The need for a children's hospice
Four years later, in 1998, the need for an overnight children’s facility increased, and the Jigsaw Appeal was launched in 2015 with the aim of raising £1,000,000 to construct a four-bed children’s facility. Once again, the people of Cumbria rallied behind the cause, with the appeal reaching its target by the summer of 2007.
Later that year, Eden House Children’s Hospice officially opened and welcomed its first overnight stay.
2011: Further developments
Developments in other areas of the hospice proceeded, with an extension built for the family support services. The counselling centre was opened by the Secretary of State for Health Andrew Lansley on the 20th birthday of the hospice. The family of Sandra Fisher supported the development, which now houses the Family Support team.
Shortly after this, a new coffee lounge area was built thanks to a local benefactor. It provided a much-needed informal environment for families and visitors to the hospice, with tea and coffee facilities and large windows overlooking a pond.
Eden House becomes Jigsaw
In 2014, Eden House Children’s Hospice was renamed and rebranded as Jigsaw, Cumbria’s Children’s Hospice. Jigsaw was also picked as BBC Radio Cumbria’s first-ever Charity of the Year, raising money throughout 2014 to go towards important new developments for the children’s hospice.
Ongoing Jigsaw developments
In May 2022, a new cinema room opened to provide a safe, comfortable space where families can enjoy films together and create precious memories. Made possible through a partnership with Together for Cinema and local installer Majik House, the £19,000 project was donated in full. The room was officially opened by Jigsaw children alongside Carlisle-born singer and entertainer Lee Brennan.
In June 2023, supported by the charity Greenfingers, Jigsaw’s brand new fully accessible garden opened. It contained a jungle garden, a sensory area, new play equipment, a racetrack and more, and quickly became a popular space for the children and young adults to enjoy.
In 2024, ‘Gamechanger’, was a picture left by Banksy at a hospital in Southampton at the start of the Covid-19 pandemic. After it was auctioned, we were awarded £499,575, which we used to kickstart the refurbishment of our bedrooms and bathrooms, as well as create a new entrance for our families.
Adult Inpatient Unit developments
Between 2025-26, major works were carried out across the hospice on the back of a government grant for capital projects. Adult inpatient rooms were refurbished, the old plumbing was replaced, solar panels were installed, areas were re-tarmacked, and there were updates to the IT system. Planning permission was also submitted for a new therapeutic garden and car park.
Where we are now?
Technology, medication and care may change over the decades, but one thing remains consistent; we will always strive to deliver excellent care when it is needed most to local families.
As a charity, the hospice continues to rely on the generosity of the local community to fund the majority of care, compassion and dignity every day. Did you know 1 in 4 patients are cared for thanks to gifts left in Wills?
Find out more about how you can keep the hospice here for all, for now and forever.
