Nurse Val has cared for our community for 39 years

Staff Nurse Val Craven, 63, started working at the hospice in 1981, just two months after the hospice had received its first patient. At the time there were only eight patient beds, staffed by one matron, one sister and two staff nurses covering the 24 hours of care.

Over the years, the Halifax resident has seen the hospice grow and evolve, providing more beds and broader care for patients, families, carers and loved ones.

Now, as Overgate Hospice and the Courier join forces to spearhead the hospice’s Leap Year Appeal to help cover its running costs on this year’s extra day, February 29, Val has spoken about her hopes that people across the district can lend a hand.