Thérèse Vanier : Pioneer of L'Arche, palliative care and spiritual unity

Thérèse Vanier, founder of L’Arche in the UK, was also a distinguished doctor who worked with Cicely Saunders at the world-renowned St Christopher’s Hospice in London, and a tireless contributor to Christian ecumenism and interfaith understanding. This biography draws on the memories of nearly fifty people who knew her, as well as her own published and unpublished writings, to offer a tribute to Thérèse and a critical assessment of her lasting legacy in the three areas of her work. "Therese Vanier was a distinguished doctor and a Fellow of the Royal College of Physicans. As a haematologist, she was the first woman consultant at St Thomas's hospital in London. She subsequently worked alongside Cecily Saunders, the founder of modern palliative care, at the world-renowned St Christopher's Hospice. Colleagues agree that it was Therese who did more than anyone else to bring the principles and practice of palliative medicine to a wider world. At the beginning of the 1970s, she was the founder of the first L'Arche community in the UK; she continued to bring her unique blend of personal commitment and professional rigour to the development of these L'Arche communities, as well as to L'Arche's wider international family. As a Roman Catholic, Therese was also deeply involved in the work for greater ecumenism among Christian churches and understanding between different faiths. This biography, published with the full support of the Vanier family and with contributions drawn from far and wide, serves as a critical assessment of Therese's legacy, a tribute to her life and as an inspiration to others to follow her example." -- Provided by publisher