Representatives from hospices and palliative care organisations from across Wales gathered at Nightingale House Hospice to celebrate the career and contribution of Mark Isherwood MS as he prepares to retire from the Senedd after more than two decades of public service.
Mr Isherwood has served as a Welsh Conservative Member of the Senedd for 23 years, representing North Wales and championing a wide range of issues, including disability rights and end-of-life care. For many years he has also chaired the Senedd Cross Party Group on hospices and palliative care, playing a key role in ensuring the hospice sector’s voice is heard within Welsh politics.
During the gathering, leaders from across the hospice sector reflected on Mr Isherwood’s longstanding support and advocacy for palliative care services and the people who rely on them. Representatives from Hospices Cymru, Same but Different, STAND North Wales (Stronger Together for Additional Needs and Disabilities) and the Polish Integration Support Centre (PISC), Wrexham, were also in attendance, highlighting the broad range of organisations and communities that have worked alongside him over the years.
Liz Booyse, Chief Executive of City Hospice in Cardiff and Chair of Hospices Cymru, thanked Mr Isherwood for his commitment to the sector.
“Mark has been an incredible supporter of hospices across Wales for many years. Through his work in the Senedd and his leadership of the Cross Party Group, he has helped ensure hospices have a strong voice in Parliament. Just as importantly, he has helped patients, families and carers feel that their experiences and needs are truly heard by those making decisions about healthcare in Wales.”
Toby Porter, Chief Executive of Hospice UK, also paid tribute to Mr Isherwood’s dedication.
“Mark has been an advocate for Welsh hospices for many years, long before palliative care became a prominent topic in the media. Throughout his time as an MS he has consistently championed the vital role hospices play in our communities, fighting for sustainable funding and ensuring that the needs of hospice patients and families are represented at the highest level.”
Responding to the tributes, Mr Isherwood said it had been a privilege to work alongside hospices and palliative care organisations across Wales.
“It has been an honour to support the hospice movement during my time in the Senedd. I have always been inspired by the determination, compassion and professionalism shown by hospice staff and volunteers who work tirelessly to support people at the most difficult times in their lives. Hospices play an essential role in communities across Wales, and I have greatly valued the opportunity to work with such dedicated organisations.”
Mr Isherwood also confirmed that although he is retiring from the Senedd, he intends to continue supporting hospices on a voluntary basis, maintaining his connection with a sector he has long championed.
The gathering at Nightingale House Hospice provided an opportunity for colleagues from across Wales to thank Mr Isherwood personally for his longstanding commitment to hospice and palliative care, and to recognise the impact his advocacy has had on patients, families and carers throughout the country.
