BURY Hospice is seeking new trustees to join the charitable board.

The hospice has experienced overwhelming community support since the COVID-19 pandemic broke out.

The chair of the board of trustees said that although they are mainly looking for people with appropriate experience backgrounds, the main criteria is "having a passion" for Bury Hospice.

Graham Yardley, Chair of the Board of Trustees said: “It’s a particularly exciting time to join the Hospice – the past few months have been challenging for everyone, and they have shone the spotlight on the invaluable role the Hospice plays across Bury. Not only have we continued providing our excellent palliative and end-of-life care, but have been recognised as an education and information resource for health providers across Bury.”

“We have been fortunate enough to have a fabulous Board of Trustees, and are putting the wheels in motion to recruit replacements in preparation for retirement.”

“We are looking particularly for Trustees who have a background in accountancy, business management, communications, volunteering and fundraising; however applicants who have an aptitude in wanting to assist a charitable organisation in its governance are very welcome to apply. The main criteria is to have a passion for Bury Hospice and a desire to support its sustainability and development.”

Donna McNicoll has been a hospice trustee for four years. Despite a hectic working life as a headteacher, Donna wanted to ‘give back’ to the organisation after experiencing the love and support at Bury Hospice when her mum was being cared for.

Donna is passionate about dispelling the myths surrounding hospices, especially amongst younger audiences.

She said: “It would be brilliant if we could attract interest from young people to consider being a trustee. Before I stepped foot in a hospice I really had no idea how friendly, welcoming and homely they are, and that is especially true of Bury Hospice.”

“During lockdown over the summer, many youngsters stepped forward to fundraise in creative, inspirational and very touching ways, engaging their local communities in their journey to raise money for their hospice – and we would love to have more young people on our Board of Trustees.”

“Being a trustee allows me to have a voice in making sure that we continue to keep developing to meet the ever-increasing needs of the families we care for. I would encourage anyone with a passion for their community, as well as the skill set, to consider applying to join our Board.”

Graham added: “Bury Hospice receives just 22.4% of its funding from the government, so the charity relies on fundraising to support its services, and the role of trustees is pivotal in the direction of the organisation. Just get in touch if you feel you have what it takes to help us continue developing our service within the community of Bury.”

For more information, email Graham on graham_yardley@msn.com