New chief executive for St Clare's Hospice

Avril Robson has taken over at St Clare’s Hospice, in Primrose Terrace, Jarrow, as it celebrates its 30th anniversary.

Miss Robinson was formerly head of fundraising and communications at St Wilfrid’s Hospice, based in West Sussex.

She was seen as an ideal candidate for the position, with more than 20 years of fundraising, marketing and communications expertise and over six years of working at management level in a hospice.

She said: “I am extremely excited to have joined the St Clare’s team.

“The staff and volunteers are totally committed to serving our local community and, going forwards.

“It will be wonderful for the hospice to achieve its full potential.”

Welcoming her into the role, Enid Apsey, chairman of the board of trustee at St Clare’s, said: “We are delighted to have Avril in post, especially with her extensive knowledge of fundraising.

“We are looking forward to working together to further develop our hospice services to meet the growing demand.”

Miss Robertson takes over from former chief executive officer at the hospice, David Hall, who retired in January after ten years at the helm.

“From all the staff and supporters at St Clare’s we would like to wish David the very best of luck for the future,” added Ms Apsey.

Later this year, the hospice, which provides palliative care for patients and support for families, will celebrate its 30th anniversary and is in the process of planning an assortment of events to commemorate the milestone.