This year Mildmay marked 150 years of medical care with a very special service to give thanks led by The Archbishop of York, Dr John Sentamu (a former Bishop of Stepney).
The service, which opened with words of welcome from Mildmay’s president Margaret Sentamu, was held in the church where Mildmay’s work first began in 1866. Mildmay’s Founder, the Reverend William Pennefather and his wife Catherine, responded to appeals for help during the East London cholera epidemic. Their Christian mission to reach out to those in greatest need grew to form Mildmay’s first nursing service.
Today Mildmay has much to be proud of. In 2014 they moved into a brand new purpose built hospital in East London, the only dedicated centre in Europe to provide specialist care and rehabilitation for people with serious and complex HIV associated health conditions, including brain impairment. Mildmay’s hospital in Uganda now reaches 97,429 people. This means that alongside their work in Kenya, Mildmay now supports over 110,000 people living with and affected by HIV in East Africa.
Before the service commenced The Archbishop of York planted the yellow Floribunda Mildmay Rose in the gardens of St Judes and St Pauls Church to mark Mildmay’s anniversary and leave a lasting tribute.
The Archbishop of York, John Sentamu said: “It gives me great joy to be here today as we celebrate this significant landmark in the life and work of Mildmay. Having lived and worked in the East End of London myself for six years, 1996 – 2002, as Bishop to Stepney, I am hugely heartened and encouraged by what Mildmay has achieved over the years. I think it is a great mark of maturity that Mildmay Uganda now has it’s own independent governing board, whilst remaining alongside Mildmay Kenya, a part of the Mildmay family. I salute Mildmay UK which has once again re-envisioned itself into responding to today’s pressing need of providing care and rehabilitation for people with complications as a result of HIV/Aids. Above all I give thanks to God that the Trustees, staff and friends of Mildmay have done all this while remaining faithful to the Vision of its founder, the Revd Pennefather – “to provide life in all its fullness”.
Ross White, CEO of Mildmay Mission hospital said: “We were deeply honoured that The Archbishop led our service today, his presence and words of blessing made this joyous occasion truly memorable. It was a wonderful opportunity for us all to give thanks, celebrate and reflect on our charity’s long history of service.”
Mildmay Hospital 150 year anniversary service at St Jude’s and St Pauls Church.