Bury St Edmunds charity, St Nicholas Hospice Care, bids farewell to long-serving board member who has stepped down
A Bury St Edmunds hospice has bid farewell to a long-serving board member after years of commitment to the charity.
Charles Simpson, chair of the board of trustees, has stepped down from his role at St Nicholas Hospice Care’s Annual General Meeting on Thursday after dedicating eight years to the role of chair and nearly a decade to being a trustee.
During his time he guided the charity, which covers West Suffolk and Thetford, through unprecedented times throughout the pandemic and was involved with fundraising challenges and events.
He said: “The time I have spent at St Nic’s has been a privilege. I am proud of everyone and all that has been accomplished, and I am extremely grateful for the support and commitment everyone has shown. I am also very grateful for the fun times.
“Even though I will no longer have an official role at St Nic’s, I am still going to support the hospice where I can.”
Linda McEnhill, the hospice’s chief executive officer, said: “Whilst I am incredibly sad that Charles is standing down as chair of trustees, I completely understand and endorse his decision.
“It has been a huge commitment to lead the hospice for almost a decade and one which encompassed a worldwide pandemic.
“He has been a wise and sage advisor and sounding board, and I am very grateful to him for that and delighted to know that he will continue to be involved with the hospice.”
Trustee Anne Fisher was officially welcomed as the new chair of the board of trustees at the AGM.
Anne said: “I am deeply honoured to have been appointed as chair of the board of trustees.
“Having been involved with St Nic’s as a volunteer and a trustee since 2020, I have witnessed the enthusiasm, dedication and fantastic efforts made by staff, volunteers, trustees and the senior team, who all make such a positive and lasting impact on the lives of the families and members of our communities who need the support of the hospice.”
