An Oldham minister who converted a convent into a children's hospice which was later opened by Princess Diana has announced his retirement.
David Ireland, from the Saddleworth village of Dobcross, has announced he will be standing down from his position as chief executive next year after steering Francis House Children's Hospice for more than two decades.
The reverend has been the Manchester charity's longest-standing chief and became the second-only person in the hospice's history to hold the role of chief executive after Sister Aloysius, who founded Francis House in 2005, retired.
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David's journey with the hospice all started in 1986 when, as a young architect, he walked through the gated to meet Father Thomas Mulheran and Sister Aloysius to complete a small job, designing office space for the Catholic Children's Rescue Society.
David then converted the former convent, which was home to 16 religious Sisters, into Francis House Children's Hospice four years later.
At the time, there were only four children’s hospices in the country and demand for a hospice in the North West was great.
Martin House in Wetherby opened in 1987 and proved to be a valuable model for Francis House.
Reflecting on the construction, David said: “It was a difficult challenge not only from the point of view of providing something that was right for the families, but to do something that was architecturally acceptable with an old 1950s building within a tight budget.
“I’ll never forget the sight of the Sister’s possessions being wheeled down the drive as the builders moved in to transform what was their home into a place for children and families to rest and recuperate on their difficult journeys.
"Francis House was born out of their sacrificial gift.”
In less than two years, Francis House was fully operational and formerly opened in November 1991 by the late Diana, Princess of Wales.
David went on to join the board of trustees in July 1994.
The following year, he was ordained and became the Minister at the United Reformed Church in Oldham.
When offered the job as chief executive in 2005, David's life was "changed forever" as his passion for the hospice and its work never waned.
He led the organisation through a period of significant growth, meeting the demand for respite care for teenagers and young adults with life-limiting conditions with the opening of Francis Lodge in 2014.
This effectively doubled the size of the original seven-bed hospice while the young adult wing also provides a space for young people over the age of 16 to enjoy some independence in a parent-free zone.
Today, more than 600 families are supported by the Didsbury-based hospice, through respite care, home care, day care, sibling support, parental support, end-of-life care and emotional and bereavement support.
It costs £4.8 million per year to run Francis House with 14 per cent of income from the government.
The majority of its income comes through voluntary giving.
David’s achievements also include the opening of two residential care homes, one in Didsbury close to the hospice and one in Heaton Moor.
The ground-breaking projects provide a place of permanent residence for young people with life-limiting conditions and complex needs.
David added: “It has been the greatest privilege to have been able to follow in the footsteps of Sister Aloysius, the founder of the hospice.
"I have been honoured that the Trustees have allowed us to develop and expand the services over the years to meet their increasing need.
“I have had three absolutely brilliant Registered Managers and a great team, both care team and ancillary workers.
"But the biggest thanks has to go to the children, young people and their families who have allowed us to walk alongside them in good and difficult times.
"The mums and dads who have trusted us to care for their children and allowed us to help them make wonderful memories.
“I will be around until some time in 2025, dependant upon who is appointed as my successor.
"I cannot thank everybody enough, volunteers, staff, and supporters out in the community for the tremendous work they have done over the last twenty years.”
Got a story? Email me Olivia.bridge@newsquest.co.uk
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