The Martlets Hospice would like to pay its tribute to the late Sir Lindsay Bryson who died at the hospice last month, aged 80.

The Martlets owes a great deal to Sir Lindsay Bryson.

He played an active role in the life of the hospice from its first inception in the early Nineties when it became clear a new purpose-built hospice was needed for cancer patients in Brighton and Hove.

He helped to pave the way for this by drawing together the much-loved and unique Coppercliff Hospice and the Tarner Home which, when merged in their new home, became the Martlets Hospice as it is today.

The Macmillan Brighton and Hove Hospice Appeal was launched in May 1995 at the Royal Pavilion in the presence of HRH The Prince of Wales, Patron of the Appeal, and with Sir Lindsay Bryson,

Lord Lieutenant of East Sussex, as President of the Appeal.

It is with great affection and nostalgia we remember the long awaited moment when Sir Lindsay, at the controls of the JCB and wearing a daffodil yellow hard hat, cut the very first turf on the greenfield site which is now the home of the Martlets Hospice.

He continued to actively support the appeal and much of its swift success must be attributed to his tremendous enthusiasm and practical help.

After its opening in 1997, Sir Lindsay and Lady Bryson together continued to take a great interest in the hospice and were always a source of support and encouragement to staff and volunteers.

Sir Lindsay was invited to be President of the Martlets after its opening, a post he held until his death.

-Caroline Lower, chief executive, Martlets Hospice, Hove