Two Cumbrian business and community leaders have been welcomed onto the board of trustees at Eden Valley Hospice and Jigsaw, Cumbria’s Children’s Hospice.
Mark Elliott, who spent more than three decades working as a journalist and manager in BBC local radio, including half of that in Cumbria, was instrumental in instigating a successful charity partnership between BBC Radio Cumbria and Jigsaw.
He has joined on the charity’s board by Mark Connor who currently serves as a director with a senior appointments business and has personal experience with the hospice. The charity supported him and his daughter before and after his wife’s death and he now wants to give something back.
The board of trustees, who are all volunteers, play a key role for the charity and have overall responsibility for the governance of the hospice, along with supporting its strategic development. The board also ensures that the charity maintains and develops its services to the local community, is well run and meets its legal and financial obligations.
The hospice provides the highest standards of care to adults with life limiting illnesses in north Cumbria and to children from right across the county as well as extending support to patients’ families, friends and carers.
Mark Elliott, who is 56 and lives in Burton-in-Kendal as well as previously living in Carlisle and Brampton, said: “I worked in partnership with the hospice several years ago and was hugely impressed with the organisation, the staff and the wonderful work they do.
“I’ve also had personal experience of losing a loved one to a life limiting illness, so understand how vital it is to get things right for those left behind. I’m thrilled to be joining the team that delivers such important services to local people.”
Mark Connor, who is 48 and lives in Scotby, near Carlisle, has lived in Cumbria since 2001 and spends his time advising businesses from owner managed businesses to PLC boards on workforce planning and organisational design, alongside the day to day of recruitment of senior appointments.
With a degree in marketing and more than 15 years working with a search and selection businesses, Mark hopes his experience can play a small part in the hospice’s ongoing development.
He said: “I was really taken by the time and help given pre and post bereavement for not only myself but my daughter too. Having spent years trapsing Ullswater with the Mighty Hike, I felt the time is right to give something back to a great local organisation who play such an active part in helping the local community.”
Julie Clayton, chief executive, said: “I’m really delighted about the experience and insight they will both bring to our team. Trustees play a hugely important part in making sure that we are working well and delivering the best services for our community.”
