Hospice gets free solar power as firms chip in

Keech Hospice spent more than £100,000 on electricity last year and hopes the new solar panels will halve that bill

A solar company said it had seen "amazing generosity" from local and international firms who pulled together to provide a hospice with free renewable power.

Keech Hospice in Luton has received an array of 504 photovoltaic panels, which would usually cost about £200,000 to install.

"We're calling it a solar legacy project, not just a one-off donation, as it will save the hospice £50,000 a year," said project manager Eddie Doherty.

Liz Searle, chief executive of Keech said: "This gift doesn't just power our building — it powers hope, care, and community for years to come."

Keech Hospice provides free end-of-life hospice care for adults and children

The hospice relies primarily on donations, with running costs of about £26,000 per day.

Mr Doherty, who runs Renewable EDtricity Services, came up with the idea after a networking event.

"Keech has a huge impact in Luton and Bedfordshire. We know a lot of families who've been affected by cancer, who have been to Keech Hospice," he said.

"We got on to the subject of their rising energy costs and asked what we could do.

"There was a Luton church called the Holy Ghost – parishioners donated a brick towards it. I thought we could get people to donate solar panels."

Eddie Doherty (front right, on kerb), says: "It's the people coming together that's made this project"

A business associate offered his services and "put us in touch with some of the biggest names".

"Some of the largest companies in the world have helped. Astronergy donated all 504 solar panels and Clenergy donated the mounting systems," he said.

"McCarthy loaned us a forklift for eight weeks and another company provided the scaffolding. Capital Sky, who are building the Luton Town stadium, also helped.

"I'm from Irish heritage, and the Irish community has been amazingly generous."

While his company is carrying out the electrical work, Mr Doherty is appealing for help to complete the job.

"We're still fighting to get people to install the remaining panels - we need a bit of help with that," he added.

The project is appealing for help to complete the solar installation at Keech, which was founded in 1991

Ms Searle said: "By doing this incredibly generous act for Keech, Eddie, Mark and their team are a shining example of the good that can happen when a community with heart works together.

"At the core of the project is the resolute belief held by all those involved that everyone deserves to live and die well, with comfort and dignity.

"We will be forever grateful to them for giving us this gift that will last a lifetime."