St Wilfrid’s Hospice was registered as a charity in 1982 and is based in a house in Mill Gap Road, Eastbourne. The house was bought with an anonymous donation in the same year. 

The name “Wilfrid” means “resolute peace” and was chosen as the launch of the charity coincided with the 1300th anniversary of St Wilfrid bringing Christianity to Sussex. 

Our Day Therapy service opened on 7 July 1982 and the first in-patients were admitted in November 1983.

Over our 27 year history there have been many developments,  including the development of a Bereavement service in 1986 and a Home Care service in 1990.  

Following a major appeal, an extension was built to the existing building in 1992, increasing our in-patient beds from six to ten.

The Home Care service has evolved over time and is now a comprehensive Hospice at Home service providing 24-hour nursing care for many patients in their own homes.