St Christopher’s Hospice, which serves five boroughs including Southwark, is to feature in an upcoming episode of BBC One’s Songs of Praise.
The episode is presented by Pam Rhodes and will air this Sunday, February 11.
It is the second time the Sydenham-based hospice has featured on the show – the first being in the 1980s when an episode focused on palliative care and included an interview with the founder of the hospice, Dame Cicely Saunders.
Sunday’s show sees Pam visit patient John Thrussell, from Bromley, at home with one of the hospice’s community nurses.
Viewers learn how the majority of St Christopher’s work takes place in the community – in people’s homes and care homes.
John Thrussell, who is being supported at home by the hospice’s community team, said: “We watch Songs of Praise every week and so do most of our friends so we were thrilled when they asked.
“I love the choral music and I sing along to the older ones, and some of the words just stay with you forever.”
“In every way, every day St Christopher’s has been a real help to us and helped us through some really dark times so it was great to give something back.”
They also visit the hospice’s in-patient unit in Sydenham and learn about the history of the organisation, including speaking to a nurse who worked with Dame Cicely.
Last year St Christopher’s cared for more than 7,500 people across the five London boroughs it serves, as well as providing support for carers and bereaved adults and children.
Rev Dr Andrew Goodhead, Spiritual Care Lead at St Christopher’s, said: “As the first modern hospice, St Christopher’s has always been a beacon for the hospice movement across the world.
“From medicine and nursing to therapies, social and spiritual support, we provide care to patients, families and those important to them. We were delighted to share some of that work with the Songs of Praise team.
“So much of our work is only possible thanks to the fundraising efforts of our community and we hope our appearance on the BBC reminds people of the importance of supporting your local hospice.”
The episode will air at 1:15 pm on Sunday 11 February.