A NEW chief executive has been unveiled for Bury Hospice during their 30th anniversary year.

Helen Lockwood, who has most recently been deputy chief executive at Oldham Council, will step into the seat vacated by Eloise Burke.

The Bury resident, who has also worked in senior roles at Manchester City Council and Rossendale Council, will join the board at the hospice in the next few months.

Stuart Page, hospice trustees chairman, said: “Helen is an exceptionally experienced senior manager with over 30 years local government experience working in a blended health and local government leadership environment.

"Over the past 20 years she has held leadership positions at Manchester City Council, Rossendale Borough Council and has spent the last seven years of her career at directorate level within Oldham Council.

“She is incredibly well respected across Greater Manchester and her extensive connections and influence across the health and social care sector will prove invaluable as we continue to mould our strategic direction, playing a key role within palliative and end of life care in Bury."

She will oversee a team of 70 staff and more than 400 volunteers.

Helen said: "It’s such a privilege to be taking on this role, especially during Bury Hospice’s 30th anniversary year.

"As it enters into a new chapter I’m honoured to be joining such a fantastic team and incredibly proud of the role that Bury Hospice plays in our local community.

"I’ve lived in Bury for more than 30 years and know the real difference Bury Hospice makes to people at a time in their life when they need the support we provide the most.

“It’s been a challenging time for the hospice, as it has for everyone, and the team has adapted and excelled continuing to provide the specialist, personalised care to our patients throughout the pandemic.

"The needs of the patients and their families are at the heart of everything Bury Hospice does, and that is so important to me as we continue to develop our services so that we can reach more people with the right care at the right time.”

Stuart added: “On behalf of the board of trustees I would like to express deep gratitude to Chris Claydon-Butler, who has stepped in as interim chief executive since Eloise retired and enabled us to continue to grow and develop our services throughout this period of time. Chris will continue in this role until Helen Lockwood is able to start.

“Finally, I want to thank our community who have continued supporting Bury Hospice throughout what has been a difficult time for everyone. It costs us £2.9m to run Bury Hospice and we have to raise over £2.3m of that from our fundraising, donations, lottery and shops.”

“It is because of our community’s support that Bury Hospice can provide the essential care for patients and their families. We wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for you – thank you.”