Looking Back, Moving Forward – Three Decades of Service from Anthony Creasey

5th November, 2025

As Les Bourgs Hospice approaches its 35th anniversary in 2026, it also marks the end of an era. After nearly three decades of service, long-standing board member Anthony Creasey has stepped down — leaving behind a legacy woven through the story of the Hospice itself.

“I think I was first asked to join the Board at the end of 1996,” Anthony recalls. “So, not quite mathematically 30 years, but near enough. Of course, the Hospice had already been part of Guernsey life since 1991, when Greville and Lisa Mitchell’s dream of a hospice, conceived around their kitchen table, became a reality.”

At the time, the young banker hadn’t been directly involved in charitable work of this kind. “Nick Van Leuven, who was then chairman, rang and said they were looking for a couple of younger people to join the Board — which seems a bit odd now,” he laughs. “But Richie Collas and I joined at the same meeting, and that was the start of it. The Hospice had already woven itself into the community. I didn’t have any family connection to it, but it felt like something very special to be part of.”

That sense of belonging — of Les Bourgs being at the heart of island life — has been central to its success ever since. “It’s amazing really,” Anthony says. “The Hospice can sound like a sad place, but when you come in, there’s laughter, there’s music. Visitors often say how warm and friendly it feels — from Chrissie the cleaner to the most senior nurse, everyone has time for you. It’s actually a surprisingly happy place to be.”

Building for the Future

One of Anthony’s proudest achievements was helping to steer the Hospice through its major rebuild in 2011 — a project that transformed the care environment.

“When you look back to the facilities we had before, it’s extraordinary,” he says. “We had three beds, separated only by curtains, and one room upstairs that was hard to access. The new building gave us seven purpose-built rooms, each with their own bathroom — a complete transformation.”

It was also a leap of faith. “We didn’t have the money in the bank when we said yes,” he admits. “But we believed in it. The fundraising effort that followed — buying additional land, building from scratch — was phenomenal. People could see what we were doing and they got behind it.”

The result was a Hospice ready to meet modern expectations of dignity and privacy, while retaining the warmth and compassion that defined its early years.

Evolving Care

Over Anthony’s three decades, the Hospice has evolved far beyond its original five-bedded ward. The introduction of day hospice services under former matron Moira Stacey, and more recently the Wellbeing Service, reflects a broader vision of care.

“The day hospice gave people the chance to come in for lunch, meet the staff and get comfortable,” Anthony explains. “When they later needed to be admitted, it wasn’t such a shock. That’s the spirit behind the new Wellbeing Service — helping people stay connected and supported before they need in-patient care.”

He also highlights the remarkable contribution of volunteers. “Volunteers are absolutely key,” he says firmly. “From the shops to the kitchen, reception to fundraising — without them, the Hospice simply couldn’t survive. It’s a very rewarding place to give your time, and the community’s support has been constant.”

Challenges Ahead

Looking to the future, Anthony is realistic about the challenges the Hospice faces — particularly around funding.

“We’ve managed for 35 years without States support, which is incredible,” he says. “But costs are going up — salaries, pensions, social security, everything. The community’s fundraising is amazing, from coffee mornings to people cycling round the island or swimming every day in January. But those events can’t cover everything, and legacies, while vital, can’t be relied upon.”

He believes some form of government partnership may be inevitable, though it must protect the Hospice’s independence. “We don’t want to lose that community spirit, that sense of ownership,” he cautions. “It’s a delicate balance — keeping the enthusiasm of people who climb mountains or sit in baths of baked beans for us, while exploring how the States might support palliative care more widely.”

A Lasting Legacy

After so many years on the management committee and Board, Anthony admits stepping away will be a wrench. “I’ll miss it enormously,” he says. “I’ve been involved in everything from approving a new dishwasher to interviewing senior staff — it’s been part of my life for so long.”

But he leaves confident in the team now leading Les Bourgs. “We’ve moved from Jo Boyd’s wonderful leadership to Rob Jones, who brings a new perspective and business experience. The Hospice is in very good hands.”

And his hope for the next 35 years? “I think we’re about the right size,” he says. “What I’d love to see is a return to day hospice or even a hospice-at-home service — maybe in partnership with the States. We should be at the centre of palliative care on the island.”

For Anthony, that’s the enduring message: a Hospice built by the community, sustained by the community, and loved by the community.

“It’s a remarkable place,” he says simply. “And I’m just proud to have played a small part in its story.”