February 5, 2014 2.40 pm This story is over 121 months old

Lincoln charity celebrates its longest serving employee

30 years on: St Barnabas Lincolnshire Hospice’s longest serving employee is celebrating her time at the charity.
Marie Pattison celebrating 30 years service ere at St Barnabas Lincolnshire Hospice. Photo: St Barnabas

St Barnabas Lincolnshire Hospice, who provide end of life support to patients and their families, are celebrating the work of Marie Pattison — the charity’s longest serving employee.

On February 4, 1984, at the age of 16, Marie Pattison joined St Barnabas as an Office Junior.

Now, 30 years on, Marie is looking back over her work for the organisation as the fundraising team’s Office Manager.

“My fondest memory of working for St Barnabas is meeting my husband David,” explained Marie.

“He started work here as the first ever van driver and we hit it off immediately. From then we went on to marry on June 11, 1988, which incidentally was St Barnabas day, it must have been fate!

“In 1991 I gave birth to our beautiful daughter, Laura, and after just 6 months maternity leave I returned to work on a part time basis.”

“I was only ever meant to stay for a year. I joined St Barnabas as part of a Youth Training Scheme earning £25 per week.”

Marie Pattison receives a bunch of flowers and spa day gift voucher from Fundraising Manager Veronica Brien. Photo: St Barnabas

Marie Pattison receives a bunch of flowers and spa day gift voucher from Fundraising Manager Veronica Brien. Photo: St Barnabas

Marie began her career at the hospice alongside Jenny Freeman, one of the founding members of the organisation.

“When my year was up Jenny sacrificed £20 per week from her own wage to pay me £45 per week, this sort of thing was typical of Jenny she really was one of a kind,” she said.

“Some people might ask why I have stayed at the same organisation for 30 years and that really is an easy one to answer: St Barnabas Lincolnshire Hospice is such a worthwhile organisation and it has been a privilege to work here and be part of providing such integral care and services to the Lincolnshire community.”

St Barnabas Lincolnshire Hospice, Director of Business Development, Neil Paulger said: “Marie is an inspiration to us all.

She works tirelessly as the fundraising team’s office manager and if she’s not attending an event she is sorting a query or speaking to a supporter or volunteer.

“She also possesses a wealth of information about fundraising which she shares willingly with all around her, in short she is a much valued colleague.”