Myton’s Chair of Trustees Noel Hunter realised after a chat with Mike Cotton, who he describes as one of Myton’s ‘founding fathers’, that the early history of the charity could soon be forgotten. Noel approached his friend and accomplished local author Michael Jeffs about the possibility of writing a book about the history of Myton. And the rest, as they say, is history!
The History…
Mick realised that quickly that many records and details of events in the history of Myton were missing or no longer accessible. Thankfully he has had a helping hand from plenty of people along the way in researching and writing the book to mark our 35th birthday. Although Myton’s first hospice, in Warwick, opened in 1982 the campaign to fund the project was launched in 1979. By June 1982 over £500,000 had been raised by the founding trustees and dedicated fundraisers. The Myton Hamlet site which trustees had earmarked to become their hospice was originally built in 1938 to be a children’s home and was occupied for 40 years.
The book launch…
On Thursday 6th July the book ‘The Myton Hospice; The First 35 Years’ was officially launched to Myton trustees, the Senior Leadership Team, former trustees, Myton staff, those involved with the creation of the book at the Pavilion Café in Lighthorne.
Noel said: “As we approach our 35th anniversary it would be a tragedy if our early history was lost and there is as I discovered much inspiration that can be drawn from those who turned a dream into a reality. The people who founded Myton took a real risk on it. If those people hadn’t put the effort in and taken the chance, Myton would never have happened. If we didn’t write about Myton’s history now, some things could have been completely forgotten.”
And author Mick added: “The history of Myton is very interesting, but many records have not been kept so getting some of the information was hard. I think we’ve tracked the last 35 years well though. I wanted to know more about the genesis of the Rugby and Coventry sites – they’re both on the same site as NHS hospitals so why were those locations chosen?”
We would like to say a massive thank you to Mick for taking the time to write the book, the Pavilion Café for hosting the launch event and to Warwick Provident Dispensary Charity who sponsored the book.
‘The Myton Hospice; The First 35 Years’ is available to buy from the reception at each our three hospices in Coventry, Rugby and Warwick, at our charity shops and you can order one online by clicking here.