Rainbow Family Trust set up as a charity by Sister Aloysius and Father Thomas Mulheran who were concerned about the lack of palliative care for the families of children with a short life expectancy. With Sister’s vision, determination and drive in less than two years the seven bedroom Francis House was opened in November 1991 by Diana, Princess of Wales. Only the fifth children’s hospice to be built in the UK and the World.
Thousands of children and their families come through the doors of Francis House for support, friendship, fun and a place to recharge their batteries. Children sleep in one of seven colourful bedrooms and there are flats for their parents to have a well-earned rest and time together. Siblings can also stay with their brother and sister enabling them to spend valuable time together.
Sister Aloysius retires, however her compassion for the children and their families who will suffer the loss of their child remains. She continues as a member of the Council of Management for many years. Revd David Ireland becomes Chief Executive. As architect for the Rainbow Family Trust, he oversaw the conversion of a former convent into Francis House Children’s Hospice in 1990.
Kirsty Howard one of the best known faces of Francis House, born with an exceptionally rare condition with her heart back to front, raises £5 million to secure the future of Francis House.
Emotional support service starts providing support to young people with life-limiting conditions who due to medical advances are living longer. The service offers them the opportunity to talk about their feelings, fears and share their thoughts with a trained member of the care team. Margaret Hickie announces her retirement as the Head of Care.
A temporary four bed house close to Francis House opened following a request to the board of trustees by Stephen Ryan, born with a muscle wasting condition asking to be cared for in a more adult environment. The house for teenagers and young adults was the forerunner for a £3.5 million building extension to meet the growing need for respite care for older users. January 1st Gill Bevin becomes the Registered Manager.
Sister Aloysius the founder of Francis House dies in August aged 85 years. Construction work on the seven bedroom extension begins. The first of five cornerstones are laid by Sir Alex Ferguson and Nathan Sturgeon. Celebrating five years of partnership with Manchester United. The Rainbow Family Trust changes its name to Francis House Family Trust.
Francis Lodge opened to provide a parent-free zone of seven further bedrooms to meet the growing demand for care for teenagers and young adults who are over 13 years of age. Supporters including Dame Sarah Storey and husband Barney, actor Sally Dynevor, staff, young people and families celebrate a new era in the life of the hospice.
Families enjoy respite at Francis House and Francis Lodge. Up to seven sick children and seven young adults can stay at any one time. Facilities include a music and cinema room, multisensory, games and computer rooms and large lounge overlooking the garden.
Francis House celebrates 25 years of providing care and support to families across Greater Manchester. The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge officially opened Francis Lodge, 25 years to the month since Princess Diana opened Francis House. 463 Parrs Wood Road, operated by Francis House Families Limited, opens providing a place of permanent residence for young people with life-limiting conditions.
Francis House supports more than 500 families with respite care, end of life care and emotional and bereavement support. 463 a seven bed ‘home for life’ facility is fully occupied and financially self-supporting.
Gill Bevin retires as Registered Manager and Director of Care after 18 years at Francis House. Sharon Doodson becomes Registered Manager and only the third Director of Care to be appointed in the history of the Hospice.
30th Anniversary year of the opening of Francis House. The hospice is recognised internationally as a centre of excellence and a model to be replicated.
A pilot project providing a permanent home for young people with life-limiting conditions and complex needs is launched in Heaton Moor.
Rachael Taylor becomes Chief Executive in April 2025 following the retirement of David Ireland after 20 years as CEO.