Chief Executive of Francis House Children’s Hospice, Revd David Ireland, has announced that he will be retiring in 2025, after 20 years of leading the well-loved Manchester charity. This news was shared by the hospice on Tuesday 13 February, 2024.
David has been in his role since the retirement of Sister Aloysius, the founder of Francis House, in 2005. He became only the second person to hold the position of chief executive in the hospice’s history.
David’s connection with Francis House began in 1986 when, as a young architect, he was hired to design office space for the Catholic Children’s Rescue Society. In 1990, he oversaw the conversion of the former convent, which was home to 16 religious Sisters, into Francis House Children’s Hospice.
At the time, there were only four children’s hospices in the country, and there was a great demand for a hospice in the north-west. Inspired by the success of Martin House in Wetherby, which opened in 1987, Francis House was created to provide much-needed respite care for children and families in the region.
David recalls the transformation of the former convent into a hospice as a challenging but fulfilling project. He says, “It was a difficult challenge not only from the point of view of providing something that was right for the families, but also architecturally acceptable with an old 1950s building and a tight budget. I’ll never forget the sight of the Sisters’ possessions being wheeled down the drive as the builders moved in to transform what was their home into a place for children and families to rest and recuperate on their difficult journeys. Francis House was born out of their sacrificial gift.”
Within two years, Francis House was fully operational and opened its doors in November 1991 by the late Princess Diana.
David officially joined the board of trustees in July 1994 and was ordained as the Minister at the United Reformed Church in Oldham in 1995. In 2005, he was offered the position of chief executive, which he says changed his life forever. His passion for the hospice and its work has never waned, and he has led the organization through a period of significant growth.
Under David’s leadership, Francis House has expanded its services to meet the increasing demand for respite care for teenagers and young adults with life-limiting conditions. In 2014, Francis Lodge, a young adult wing, was opened, effectively doubling the hospice’s original capacity of seven beds. This space allows young people over the age of 16 to have some independence in a parent-free zone.
Today, Francis House supports more than 600 families through various services such as respite care, home care, day care, sibling support, parental support, end-of-life care, and emotional and bereavement support. The hospice’s annual running cost is £4.8 million, with only 14% of the income coming from the government. The majority of the funds are raised through voluntary giving.
David’s accomplishments include the opening of two residential care homes, one in Didsbury, close to the hospice, and one in Heaton Moor. These homes provide permanent residences for young people with life-limiting conditions and complex needs, and they are groundbreaking projects in the UK.
Reflecting on his time at Francis House, David says, “It has been the greatest privilege to have been able to follow in the footsteps of Sister Aloysius, the founder of the hospice. I have been honored that the Trustees have allowed us to develop and expand the services over the years to meet their increasing needs. I have had three absolutely brilliant Registered Managers and a great team, both care team and ancillary workers. But the biggest thanks has to go to the children, young people, and their families who have allowed us to walk alongside them in good and difficult times. The mums and dads who have trusted us to care for their children and allowed us to help them make wonderful memories.”
David will remain in his role until 2025, depending on the appointment of his successor. He expresses his gratitude to the volunteers, staff, and supporters for their tremendous work over the last two decades.
To commemorate the first thirty years of Francis House, the hospice has released a new book titled ‘A Worthwhile Error – The History of Francis House Children’s Hospice.’ It can be purchased for £19.95 (plus postage and packing) by calling the hospice or through their website. All proceeds from the book’s sales will be donated to the care of children, young people, and their families.
