A new chapter with Rowcroft
Having spent most of my professional life immersed in the world of family entertainment and children’s television, I’ve always believed in the power of storytelling to connect, inspire and create impact. So when I moved back to Devon from London after many years away, it felt only natural to continue writing a new chapter – this time closer to home and rooted in community.
My family and I now live mainly in the beautiful village of Dittisham, not far from where I was brought up in Stoke Gabriel. After eight years serving as a trustee at Royal Trinity Hospice in Clapham, joining the board of Rowcroft Hospice was a meaningful next step. I wanted to bring the knowledge and experience I’d gained in London into my local environment, to contribute where my roots run deep.
A diverse career
Throughout my adult life, I’ve been involved with the charity sector in both personal and professional capacities. I headed up a major corporate partnership with Great Ormond Street Hospital whilst working at Disney and in addition to my TV role, I now work for Trustees Unlimited on a board placement programme that helps senior executives in financial services organisations find trustee roles within the charity sector. This gives me valuable exposure to the sector and a strong understanding of some of the many challenges facing it, but also the privilege of meeting so many people with commitments to so many causes.
In a voluntary capacity I also currently sit on the Advisory Boards of the Children’s Media Conference and the reading charity Bookmark.
The team at Rowcroft Hospice
At Rowcroft, I’ve found a team and fellow trustees who are not only deeply committed but also full of optimism, passion, and an unshakeable belief in the value of hospice care. There’s a warmth and positivity within the organisation that truly reflects the compassionate work being done every day.
Ambitious plans to expand our care
Whilst there are many hurdles to overcome, what excites me most about Rowcroft’s future is our ambitious plan to broaden the scope of the services we offer. This expansion presents an incredible opportunity to reach more people in need – but also brings significant financial challenges. As a freelance marketing consultant, I see it as part of my role to help tell Rowcroft’s story in ways that resonate, inspire, and ultimately lead to greater understanding, support and of course funding – as less than 30% of our funding is provided by the NHS. I also sit on the Commercial and Support Committee where we regularly review all the non-medical parts of the operation such as the retail, fundraising, marketing and communications, HR and IT services,
Helping to shift perceptions of hospice care
Hospice care is often misunderstood; many think it only applies to older people, or that you have to pay for it – neither of which is accurate although we do have an ageing population, particularly in South Devon. But to me, hospice care is not only about the end of life – it’s about living with dignity, comfort, and compassion. Through thoughtful communication and the power of Rowcroft’s exemplary community engagement, we can help shift perceptions and ensure more people benefit from the exceptional care Rowcroft provides.
I joined Rowcroft at the start of COVID so whilst I have now been on the board for over one term (that’s three years) I feel like we have only just started and am excited to be part of what the future holds.