Fundación CUdeca Cudeca

Cudeca Foundation

Over 30 years accompanying patients and families with comprehensive care and compassion at every stage of life.

Cudeca Foundation combines experience, professionalism and empathy to offer palliative care that covers physical, emotional and spiritual wellbeing. Each patient and their family receive personalised support, ensuring dignity, comfort, and continuous support during the most delicate moments.

¿Qué es Fundación Cudeca?

Since 1992, Cudeca Hospice Foundation has been providing professional and free palliative care for people with cancer and other advanced illnesses, as well as integral support for their families.


Más de 30 años de experiencia nos han convertido en un referente en España y a nivel internacional gracias a nuestra forma especial de cuidar, que une atención médica, psicológica, social y espiritual para ofrecer dignidad y calidad de vida hasta el final.

Our history and commitment

Cudeca was founded in 1992 by Joan Hunt, a pioneer in bringing the hospice model to Southern Europe. Since then, we have cared for more than 20,000 patients and accompanied thousands of families in the province of Málaga. In 2024 alone, we cared for 1,934 people and offered our support to more than 2,400 families.

1992
Cudeca is born
The beginning of a new kind of caring
Joan Hunt founded Cudeca in Málaga after experiencing firsthand her husband's illness and death. The foundation was born with the mission of providing palliative care and support to people with advanced illnesses and their families.
1993
First premises
Cudeca starts growing
The foundation establishes its first headquarters in Fuengirola and continued to develop its care and support model.
1994
Home Care
Caring also means being at home
Cudeca begins providing its care directly in patients' homes, establishing one of the core pillars of its healthcare model.
1995
A place to give care
Benalmádena makes a dream possible
Benalmádena City Council donates the land where Cudeca's future hospice will be built.
1998
Foundation stone
The hospice starts to become a reality
The foundation stone is laid for the centre that would become one of Cudeca’s main healthcare facilities.
1999
Cudeca becomes established
The Board of Trustees is established
Cudeca takes a new step in its institutional growth with the establishment of its Board of Trustees.
2003
Day Care Unit
New forms of accompanying
Cudeca inaugurated its Day Care Unit and its Rehabilitation and Physiotherapy Programme, expanding its comprehensive care for patients and families.
2005
Unidad de Hospitalización
A place to care when it is most needed
The Inpatient Unit begins receiving its first patients and becomes a fundamental piece of Cudeca's care model.
2006
Collaboration with the Junta de Andalucía
We grow to reach more people
Cudeca signs its first contract with the Regional Government of Andalusia to develop three Home Care teams.
2008
Comprehensive care
Caring is much more than treating
Cudeca joins the 'la Caixa' Foundation's Comprehensive Care Programme, reinforcing psychological, social, and spiritual support.
2009
International recognition
Cudeca’s work crosses borders
Joan Hunt receives a recognition at the International Journal of Palliative Nursing Awards for her career and commitment to palliative care.
2013
Gold Medal
Recognition in Málaga
Cudeca receives the Gold Medal from the Málaga Provincial Council for its career and social work. That same year, Antonio Banderas is named Honorary Trustee of the Foundation.
2015
10 years of the Inpatient Unit
A decade of caring
The Inpatient Unit celebrates its first 10 years of service, solidifying its position as one of Cudeca's core healthcare pillars.
2016
25 years of Cudeca
A community that doesn't stop growing
Cudeca celebrates 25 years of history and continues to expand its healthcare programmes, volunteer network, and charity shops.
2021
Joan Hunt's legacy
A story that continues
Joan Hunt, the founder of Cudeca, passes away. Her legacy continues through a Foundation that keeps growing and expanding its mission. That same year, a major new challenge began to take shape: developing pediatric palliative care.
2022
Yusuf Hamied Centre
Knowledge has a new home
Cudeca inaugurates the Yusuf Hamied Centre, establishing the new headquarters for the Cudeca Institute for Studies and Research in Palliative Care. This development positions training, research, and innovation as central pillars in the future of the Foundation.
2023
30 years of Cudeca
Three decades adding life to days
Cudeca celebrates 30 years of history accompanying patients and families and solidifying a model based on care, solidarity, volunteering, training, and research.
2023
La Razón newspaper
Valores (Values) Award
Cudeca receives the Valores Award from La Razón for its commitment and its trajectory.
2024
Susan Hannam receives an OBE
An international recognition to her commitment
Susan Hannam, Vice President of the Cudeca Foundation, is appointed Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in the 2024 New Year Honours. The recognition highlights her services to palliative care and volunteering in Spain.
2024
Rafa Nadal Foundation Award
Health and Wellbeing
Cudeca receives a recognition from the Rafa Nadal Foundation for its Pediatric Day Care Unit project, aimed at improving the quality of life for children and teenagers with advanced illnesses and their families.
2024
Social Innovation
Joan Upcycling
The Joan Upcycling project receives the First Prize for Social Innovation at the Innosocial Málaga Awards, combining sustainability, textile reuse, and social impact.
2024
Soles (Suns) of Málaga
Cudeca, recipient entity
Cudeca is one of the recipient entities of Soles de Málaga 2024, an initiative of El Pimpi Foundation.
2025
20 years of the Inpatient Unit
20 years of caring
20 years have gone by since the Inpatient Unit welcomed its first patients. 20 years. Thousands of moments. The same purpose: caring.
2026
Pediatric Day Care Unit
Care also sees through a child's eyes
Cudeca introduces the Pediatric Day Unit, a space tailored to the needs of children and teenagers with complex illnesses and their families. A new chapter in the history of Cudeca.
2026
Solidarity Action
Diario Sur newspaper and La Caixa Foundation
Cudeca receives recognition at the 2026 Acción Solidaria Gala for its work in pediatric palliative care.
2026
Andalucía + Social
"Be Cudeca Heart"
The "Be Cudeca Heart" project receives recognition at the Andalucía + Social Awards, highlighting the participation and solidarity of the Cudeca community.

Essential purpose

Turning the process of dying into a process of life. Although we can't add days to life, we want to add life to your days, through ourspecial kind of caring...”

At Cudeca, we are committed to:

  • Offering high-quality free palliative care to people with cancer and other advanced illnesses.
  • Accompanying families and caregivers with psychological, social and spiritual support, also during the bereavement period.
  • Responding in a personalised way to the needs of each patient, at home or at our hospice.
  • Developing innovative therapies which will preserve the dignity and independence of each person.
  • Caring without discrimination, always with respect for values and beliefs.
  • Promoting training and research in palliative care for continuous improvement.

Our goal is to:

  • To be a benchmark in palliative care, uniting healthcare, training, research, and awareness.
  • To develop innovative models that address physical symptoms as well as emotional, social, and spiritual needs.
  • To extend the philosophy of palliative care by training professionals and volunteers, and raising public awareness.
  • To contribute to the improvement of palliative care at both national and international levels through research.
  • Excellence: our "special way of caring" is the essence of everything we do.
  • Solidarity: commitment and sensitivity toward those who need it most.
  • Respect and integrity: honesty, empathy and responsibility in all our relationships.
  • Transparencyclear and responsible management of every resource received.

How we fund our mission

Collaborate

More than 1,200 volunteers who contribute their time and skills.

Donations from donors, individuals and legacies.

"Joan by Cudeca!: 31 charity shops that fund healthcare.

Behind Cudeca

Un equipo dedicado a cuidar y acompañar con compromiso y humanidad
En Cudeca, cada acción se sostiene gracias a un equipo profesional y voluntario que trabaja unido por una misma misión: ofrecer cuidados paliativos de calidad y apoyo integral a pacientes y familias.

Transparency and certifications

At the Cudeca Hospice Foundation, we work every day to earn the trust of our donors and members, and we believe that transparency is the foundation of that relationship. Since 2006, we have voluntarily undergone evaluation by Fundación Lealtad, an independent body that analyses more than 40 indicators grouped into 9 Principles of Transparency and Good Governance.

The 'Accredited NGO' Seal we have received is a unique distinction in Spain that recognises organisations in full compliance with these principles. This seal not only validates our best practices but also guarantees our donors that their support is managed responsibly and effectively, ensuring that every donation achieves the maximum possible impact on the lives of the people we care for.

Reports, Annual Reviews, and Awards

At the Cudeca Hospice Foundation, we believe in transparency and accountability as an essential part of our commitment to society.


A través de nuestros informes y memorias anuales compartimos de forma detallada el impacto de nuestra labor, la gestión de los recursos y los resultados alcanzados gracias al apoyo de tantas personas solidarias.
Estos documentos reflejan no solo cifras y datos, sino también historias de vida que dan sentido a nuestra misión.

2019
  • 1st Prize Ex Aequo for the Master's Degree in Palliative Care (UMA-CUDECA), in the category "Training, Transformation, Information, or Awareness Actions in Health"Albert Jovell Awards Forum Prize. Madrid.
  • 2nd Prize for the video 'What the End of Life Sounds Like', in the category 'Best Healthcare Journalism Work'Cudeca Hospice Foundation / El Cuartel Creativos
  • Cudeca distinguida en los Premios COMMálagaOfficial College of Physicians of Málaga. June 11, 2019.
  • Recognition for 27 Years of ServiceACET Torremolinos. July 31st, 2019.
  • Súper Cuidadores Prize, in the category 'Associations, Foundations, NGOs, and the Third Sector'International University of La Rioja / Ministry of Health. Madrid. Sept. 26, 2019.
  • Volunteer Award for Cudeca Charity Shops for the Sustainable Solidarity ProjectDepartment of Citizen Participation, Málaga City Council. Dec. 6, 2019.
2018
  • 2017 Social Entity Award · 1st Edition of the #SiempreFuerte AwardsMálaga F.C.
  • Women's Day Tribute Event in Benalmádena to Joan HuntArroyo-Benalmádena Women's Association
  • Humanizar Award, 3rd Edition, 'Entities' CategoryCentre for the Humanisation of Healthcare, Camillian Religious. Tres Cantos, Madrid.
  • ONCE Fuengirola Recognition PlaquePresented at the 'Milla Solidaria' (Solidarity Mile).
  • International Women's Day PrizeArroyo de la Miel Women's Association. Castillo Bil-Bil, March 9th, 2018.
  • "Más Solidario (Most Caring) Award"COPE. Málaga Glass and Crystal Museum, November 23rd, 2018.
2017
  • Annual Prize for AssociationsNeumosur and Neumosur Foundation.
  • Málaga Voluntaria (Volunteer) Award, Málaga City Council.Department of Citizen Participation, Málaga City Council.
  • Award for the project 'Al escuchar el Viento' (Listening to the Wind) · 3rd Positive Communication in Cancer Initiatives ContestRegional Ministry of Health and Andalusian Cancerology Society.
2016
  • Honorary Gazpachuelo AwardGroup of Friends of Gazpachuelo.
  • Estepona Social Solidarity AwardsEstepona City Council.
  • 2016 Pain Award, ChiclanaAndalusian Association of Pain
  • Málaga Voluntaria (Volunteer) Award.Málaga City Council.
2015
  • Andalusia Day Award to Joan HuntJunta de Andalucía.
  • Award for ExcellenceBenalmádena City Council.
  • Solidarios del Año' (Caring Citizens of the Year) Annual AwardMálaga Association of Writers 'Amigos de Málaga'.
  • La Opinión de Málaga Award, 'Social' Category, for the Career and Legacy of Joan Hunt and the Cudeca FoundationLa Opinión newspaper, Málaga.
  • 2014 Best Pharmacy Initiative AwardCorreo Farmacéutico.
  • CIT AwardTorremolinos Business Circle
2014
  • Recognition for Promoting the 'Comprehensive Palliative Care Healthcare Programme'Bankia.
  • Social Section AwardAndalusian Foundations Association.
  • "Golden H" AwardOfficial College of Pharmacists of Málaga
  • Alhaurino del Año' (Alhaurino of the Year) AwardCultural Association Alhaurín El Grande
  • Bronze AwardMálaga Red Cross
2013
  • Gold MedalMálaga Provincial Council
  • XIII Victoria Kent AwardPSOE Torremolinos.
  • PlaquePSOE Torremolinos and 'Arte contra el Hambre' (Art Against Hunger).
  • Malagueños de Hoy 2013 AwardMálaga Hoy newspaper.
2011
  • Audience Award · III SUR Awards for the Best Málaga Websites 2010Diario SUR newspaper.
  • Carrefour Solidarity Foundation Award
  • Special AwardUMA (University of Málaga) General Foundation.
  • 2010 Health Promotion AwardOfficial College of Physicians of Málaga.
  • Huella AwardMálaga Rotary Club.
  • Collective Solidarity Award 2011Benalmádena City Council.
  • Colega AwardColega Málaga Association
  • MC Mutual "Antonio Baró" Award
  • Popular 2011 AwardPopular Party Málaga
2010
  • Ratón (Mouse) Award, 2010Provincial Delegation of Economy, Innovation, and Science, Regional Government of Andalusia.
  • Sentir ‘ Málaga Award’Málaga XXI Century Association
  • Networking AwardAndalusian Agency of Volunteers.
2009
  • 1º International AwardJournal of Palliative Nursing 2009.
  • Stars Award Costa del SolBenalmádena City Council.
  • CIT Institution Award Marbella 2009Marbella Association of Business Owners and Professionals.
  • MWA Award for the Best Andalusian WebsiteCibersur.
  • 1st Prize 'Malagueños Solidarios' (Caring Citizens of Málaga)Diario Sur newspaper.
2008
  • Andalusian Psychology Award for InstitutionsOfficial College of Psychologists of Eastern Andalusia
  • Eduardo Ocón Award for the HumanitiesBenamocarra City Council.
  • Award for DemocracyFuengirola Women's Association.
  • VIII Music Day, Eduardo Ocón Rivas 'Humanities' Award
2006
  • Silver BiznagaGardening Club Costa del Sol.
2005
  • "Cruz de Malta" AwardCarlos Haya Hospital.
  • Joan Hunt: 'Malagueña del Año' (Málaga Citizen of the Year)El Portón Recreational and Cultural Association
  • Lifetime Achievement AwardSpanish Federation of Female Directors, Executives, Professionals, and Business Owners
2004
  • "Día de Andalucía" (Andalusia Day) RecognitionMálaga Delegation of Health, Regional Government of Andalusia.
2003
  • Volunteer AwardAndalusian Agency of Volunteers.
  • Ateneo Medal of Málaga
2002
  • Joan Hunt: Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (OBE), appointed by H.M. Queen Elizabeth II
1999
  • RecognitionBenalmádena Association of Merchants and Hoteliers.
1998
  • "Eres un Sol" AwardCosta del Sol TV.
1997
  • Joan Hunt: European Woman of the YearEuropean Union of Women.
  • Racimo de Uvas (Bunch of Grapes) AwardFriends of Benalmádena
  • Promotion of Health AwardOfficial College of Physicians of Málaga.
1996
  • 1st SUR in English Annual Award