Children and adult hospices from across London united on Saturday 25 June 2016 to march in London LGBT Pride for the first time. Around 60 staff, volunteers and supporters were in attendance to spread the message that hospices are here for everyone.

A total of 9 hospices were represented in the march through the West End of London, 3 years after Royal Trinity Hospice became the first hospice to march in the parade. Those taking part waved ‘Hospices Across London’ flags and handed our branded wristbands, receiving a warm welcome from the crowd.  Many of those marching brought friends, partners and children – the youngest of whom was only 2.

Dallas Pounds, Chief Executive of Royal Trinity Hospice, said, “By marching in the parade, we hope to send a strong and clear message that hospices are here for everyone, whatever their background or community, whenever you need us. We also aim to show that hospices are inclusive and accepting environments for people from LGBT communities who wish to work for us. The unanimous feedback from everyone taking part has been hugely positive, and the response from the crowd unbelievable. It’s safe to say it’s been the best pride yet, and we look forward to attending next year!”

Pride provides a platform for every part of London’s LGBT+ community (lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans*) to raise awareness of LGBT+ issues and campaign for the freedoms that will allow people from the LGBT+ communities to live life on a genuinely equal footing. The Pride campaign this year was #NoFilter which encourages everyone to live as themselves and celebrate authenticity.