Passing the torch: Bluebell Wood welcomes new chair of trustees

21st August 2020

Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice is bidding a fond farewell to a number of its trustees this summer as several new faces join the team to share their professional expertise.

Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice is bidding a fond farewell to a number of its trustees this summer as several new faces join the team to share their professional expertise.

Chair of trustees Jon Lister is moving on after dedicating six years to Bluebell Wood, alongside Keith Metcalfe and Tricia Seymour, who have shared their extensive professional experience in management, HR and paediatrics during their time at the charity.

As their tenure comes to an end, Bluebell Wood is delighted to welcome several new trustees on board who are all passionate about helping the charity reach as many local families as possible.

Joining the team will be Chartered Accountant Claire Davis, HR Professional Stephen Hall, Paediatric Critical Care Consultant Rum Thomas and Solicitor Allan Skelton.

Bluebell Wood’s outgoing Chair of Trustees, Jon Lister, has served as Chair of Trustees for four-and-a-half years.

“I can honestly say my time at Bluebell Wood has been humbling,” said the father-of-two, who is a Chartered Accountant by profession.

“The decisions we make as a team can make a real difference to people’s lives, and that motivates you like nothing else. 

“I will certainly miss it, as well as all the dedicated people I’ve had the privilege of working alongside.

“My time here’s brought some of the biggest highs of my professional life, and I wouldn’t have missed it for the world.”

Jon wants to thank all the trustees he’s worked with for their passion, dedication and hard work. He also has the following words of wisdom for his successors:

“Open up your heart to it, embrace every aspect and be prepared to immerse yourself in it,” he said.

“It really is a life-changing charity and it’s been an honour to be a part of.”

Picking up the baton from Jon will be David Wilkin, who will formally become Chair of Trustees in September.

Semi-retired David started out as an engineer and has since held senior roles at international companies in a variety of sectors, including manufacturing, marketing and events. 

He’s also worked with numerous charities and currently sits of the board of The National Coal Mining Museum and Real Life Options, a charity that supports people with learning disabilities.

“Bluebell Wood is such an important charity doing absolutely vital work,” said David, who has a daughter and two grandchildren.

“When the opportunity arose, I did plenty of research and the more I learned, the more I knew it was something I wanted to be a part of.

“There can be fewer greater motivators than helping to give young people who are at the end of their life, or whose time may be limited, and their families the best possible experience.”

Now David’s looking forward to building on the successes of his predecessors, and can’t wait to get started.

“I’d like to say a big thank you to Jon and all the other trustees who have worked so hard to help get Bluebell Wood to where is today. And a special thank you to the operational team for steering the ship through the unprecedented crisis we’ve all faced these past few months.

“I’m very much looking forward to working with our fantastic team of trustees and I’m in no doubt that we’ll go from strength to strength in the years to come.”

Simon Hills, Chief Executive at Bluebell Wood, said:

“We’d like to give a heartfelt thank you to Jon, Keith and Tricia for all they have given to Bluebell Wood over the past few years. 

“Your expertise, insight and dedication has been truly invaluable and we wish you all the best in the future.

“We’d also like to like to offer a warm welcome to David, Claire, Stephen, Rum and Allan who all bring their own unique expertise to Bluebell Wood. 

“We’re very much looking forward to working closely with you to build on all we’ve achieved over the years and to drive Bluebell Wood forward.”