Becoming Moya Cole Hospice
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Some people may be wondering, ‘who is Moya Cole and why are we renaming our hospice after her?’
Once you hear her story you will see what an incredible woman she was!
Moya Cole was a pioneer and more importantly the reason we've been here for the last 50+ years.
Dr Moya Cole OBE was one of the founders of our Heald Green hospice in Stockport back in 1971 and was also instrumental in the decision for St Ann’s to open a second hospice in Little Hulton in Salford in 1979.
What did Moya do?
Moya was educated at Queen’s University in Belfast and went onto work at The Christie, in Manchester, becoming a consultant in oncology and radiotherapy.
In 1967, Moya and the then Bishop of Manchester, the Rt Rev Dr William Greer, had the idea for a hospice for the people of Greater Manchester. Together, they worked for 18 months to win over businesses and the public to their cause.
Their efforts were successful. St Ann’s was founded in 1969 and our hospice in Heald Green was officially opened by the Queen Mother in 1971. Within a few years, it was so successful that a second site was set up in Little Hulton in 1979.
Since then, we have continued to offer the same services and support across Greater Manchester and will continue to do so whilst bearing Moya's name in memory of the incredible woman that started us all on this journey.
Which brings us on to a really important question – ‘what will the new name change about the services and care we provide at the hospice??’
Answer: Absolutely none! That's right, just because we have a new name, doesn't mean the care and services we provide will be any different.
We might look slightly different when we are providing these services, (think new colour scheme, and a modern new look) but the care, compassion and dedication to our patients and the community will be exactly the same – just as Moya Cole envisioned all those years ago
If you have any more questions regarding the hospice services or anything else at all, head to the contact Us page on our main website to send an email.
For more information on our name change, head to