Islanders receiving support from Mountbatten, their families, staff and volunteers have enjoyed an afternoon tea with the charity’s new Patron, on what would have been Earl Mountbatten’s birthday on Monday (25th June).
Major General Sir Martin White, who was announced as Mountbatten’s Patron in April, along with his wife Lady White made their first official visit in the new role and spoke with people receiving care on the inpatient ward at Mountbatten Hospice.
Later, they visited the John Cheverton Centre where they met people being supported by Mountbatten’s self-help, information and day services.
An afternoon tea was held to celebrate the visit, and also to mark the birthday of the former Governor and Lord-Lieutenant of the Isle of Wight who was born in the year 1900.
Nigel Hartley, Mountbatten’s Chief Executive, said:
“Although this was Sir Martin’s first official visit, we are already benefitting hugely from his patronage. Today was a chance to meet users of our services as well as volunteers and staff. We all enjoyed a lovely afternoon tea together, whilst also remembering the former Earl Mountbatten, whose name we have benefitted from and enjoyed for the past 36 years whilst delivering and developing outstanding end of life care across our Island community.
“Much has changed in the last three decades or so, but it is so important that we remember our heritage. With our Patron’s support, we will now officially mark Earl Mountbatten’s birthday every year with a birthday tea in his honour on 25th June”.
