IT is a cause that has worked tirelessly in the community for the last 30 years.

But despite years of hard work, St Rocco's chief executive officer Pam Massey says they still have a lot to do to shift the perception of the hospice during their anniversary celebrations.

With a history in nursing, Pam knows all too well the ever-changing health landscape and believes in the future there will be more focus on people being able to look after themselves.

She added: "There's lots more interventions than there used to be but also a social expectation that we can cure all.

"Sometimes very low cost types of care make a huge difference.

"For example visiting someone to walk the dog for them when they can't do it anymore.

"It can be really surprising finding out a patients' needs as often they just want to be able to go to their garden centre and meet their friends."

Around 50 per cent of people who are patients at the hospice are discharged after a period of respite or after having their symptoms managed to the point where they can go home again.

It is a statistic that often surprises many away from St Rocco's and one they are keen to share to spread awareness what happens behind the hospice's doors.

Pam, who has been chief executive for the last two-and-a-half years, added: "There's a huge amount of work we have to do to shift peoples' perceptions of what a hospice is and that's on a national level as well as a local one.

"People think it's all about end of life care but that's only part of the service we deliver.

"The initiatives we have been doing like Roc ON! with school children have been focussing on perceptions of people with life-limiting illness and that it's not all a negative journey."

And along that journey, donations are still as vital as ever.

Pam added: "The people of Warrington have helped us supporting our fundraising events, supplying clothes for our shops as well as financial support.

"Then there's a big chunk of people who volunteer for us which we are eternally grateful for their support.

"Our funding is dependent on the NHS allocation and when budgets become pressured they look to reduce the amount of money the hospice receives at a time when demand for our services is increasing.

"We rely on residents and volunteers' help and donations as two thirds of donations come from Warrington residents."