St Richard’s Hospice Chair of Trustees, Jenny Cowpe, said: “We are deeply saddened by the death of our founder and friend, Dr Jenny Bulman.
“Jenny was the inspiration behind St Richard’s 40 years ago. The vision that came to life in the kitchen of her Droitwich home, has grown into the much-loved and highly respected independent charity we are today.
“In the early 1980s, while working as a Clinical Assistant in Obstetrics and Gynaecology in Worcester and Evesham, Jenny was inspired by stories about the benefits of hospice care, and volunteered her skills at St Mary’s Hospice in Selly Oak to learn more. She became convinced that similar hospice care should be available in Worcestershire and, after much research and gathering of support, she formed the first St Richard’s committee, raising funds and creating a small team of volunteers who could put the hospice service into practise.
“Jenny steered the fledgling organisation through its first year operating from her house in Droitwich and its next two from a small terraced house in Castle Street, Worcester, before stepping back. She continued to be a passionate supporter of the hospice movement.
“Jenny’s achievement is astonishing; her initiative, leadership and drive in founding St Richard’s have enabled our teams of staff and volunteers to care for thousands of patients and those important to them over the last 40 years, bringing great benefit to our communities. She leaves a wonderful legacy to the people of Worcestershire.
“Jenny will be deeply missed. Our thoughts are with her family and friends.”
You can listen to Jenny talking about the early days of St Richard’s on our oral history website
Photo caption: left to right, Mike Wilkerson, Chief Executive; Peter Bulman; Dr Jenny Bulman; Jenny Cowpe, Chair of Trustees; Debbie Westwood, Care Director and Galen Bartholomew, Vice Chairman.