Dr Luke Feathers, Medical Lead at LOROS Hospice in Leicester, has worked with the charity since 2003. He reflects on the extraordinary story of LOROS — one of Leicestershire’s most cherished institutions — and the people who’ve shaped its journey over the last four decades.
A Vision Born in Leicester
LOROS, now the county’s largest independent charity, was first conceived in the mid-1970s. It became a registered charity in 1977, following a meeting at Leicester Town Hall, where a small group of committed individuals shared a vision: to offer people facing terminal illness something different — a place of care, dignity, and peace outside the hospital system.
Their first significant step was securing Manor Croft on Radcliffe Road in 1983, which began offering day services. In 1984, work began on what is now the LOROS site off Groby Road. Just a year later, in September 1985, the hospice welcomed its first inpatients — starting with 12 beds. By the end of that year, the counselling service, originally established at Manor Croft, had also moved on-site.
“The early team created something different — a family-like atmosphere,” Dr Feathers tells Pukaar. “The hospice had a carpeted ward, tennis courts from the old hospital, and even a hospice cat named Smudge who would sit on patients’ beds.”
Ordinary People, Extraordinary Vision
Among the key early figures were Anne Kind, who became the hospice’s first employee, and Lady Clarissa Palmer, a passionate advocate who became its first president.
Together, with support from the local NHS and Leicester City Council, they brought the idea of a dedicated hospice to life.
“They were just ordinary people who believed that those who were dying deserved better,” Dr Feathers reflects.
In 1986, the hospice was officially opened by the Prince and Princess of Wales, marking a moment of pride for the city and for everyone involved in LOROS.
Singer Engleburt Humperdink and actor Anthony Hopkins were two high profile stars who were involved with initial fundraising efforts to get the hospice off the ground. In 1984 Anthony Hopkins’ poetry reading raised £4,000 and Engleburt made a donation of £5,000.
Picture credit: LOROS
Growing to Meet the Need
Since those early days, LOROS has grown both in size and in scope. The number of beds increased over the years from 12 to 31, although current funding pressures have reduced the number of operational beds to 20. The team hopes to reopen the remaining beds as funding allows.
Major additions include:
“We’re only here because of the people of Leicestershire,” says Dr Feathers. “Without them, LOROS wouldn’t exist.”
Whether it’s skydiving, climbing mountains, walking the Great Wall of China, or simply making a gift in their will — supporters do incredible things in the name of LOROS.
Picture credit: LOROS
A Legacy of Care
“I think what motivates the people who work here,” says Dr Feathers, “is seeing the difference we make — reducing suffering, creating peace, and making special memories for families at one of the hardest times in life.”
LOROS helps thousands of people every year — from inpatient care to community nursing, counselling, Lymphedema support, complementary therapies, and more.
In 2024 alone, 3,400 people received care through LOROS. Over its 40-year history, the hospice has likely supported 70,000– 100,000 individuals and families across Leicestershire.
Moments That Matter
Dr Feathers recalls a recent patient — someone in severe pain who was able to find relief, celebrate their child’s birthday, and understand what was happening with their illness. He also speaks of a patient in day therapy who, initially feeling hopeless, found meaning and comfort in her final months through the support offered.
“There’s laughter and joy here — not just sadness,” he says. “Families are often surprised by how peaceful and positive it feels.”
Powered by the Community
LOROS runs almost entirely on local generosity. Around 75% of its income — over £10 million a year — comes from donations, legacies, and community fundraising. The hospice employs 350 staff and is supported by an incredible 1,200 volunteers and 30 charity shops throughout the city and county.
“We’re only here because of the people of Leicestershire,” says Dr Feathers. “Without them, LOROS wouldn’t exist.”
Whether it’s skydiving, climbing mountains, walking the Great Wall of China, or simply making a gift in their will — supporters do incredible things in the name of LOROS.
40 Years of Support: Elephants and Champions
In 2025, LOROS marked its 40th anniversary with a campaign called “Stomp Around Leicester” — a city-wide elephant art trail featuring 40 large sculptures and dozens of smaller ones in schools and shops.
“Elephants are symbolic — they never forget, and families never forget their loved ones,” says Dr Feathers. “They also have cultural significance in many faiths, so it’s a way to educate and unite the community around hospice care.”
The trail included contributions from LOROS patrons like Mark Selby, Stephen Graham, Hannah Walters, Greg Davies, and Alan Birchenall — many of whom have visited patients and even painted elephants for auction.
Picture credit: LOROS
A Final Thought
“As a doctor, we’re trained to cure — but some of the most important work we do is at the end of life,” says Dr Feathers. “It’s a privilege to be part of a team that helps people find peace, comfort, and meaning in those final days.”
LOROS doesn’t just provide medical care. It offers hope, dignity, and humanity — a legacy built by the people of Leicestershire, for the people of Leicestershire.
We hope it will stand proudly as a beacon of hope and a sanctuary of peace for the next 40 years and beyond.
For more information visit: www.loros.co.uk
