Kicking off 2023 with an ambition to expand its community nursing teams into local, neighbourhood Community Palliative Care Teams, the South West-based charity, Dorothy House Hospice Care, has announced four new volunteer ambassadors.
The new ambassadors all have a personal passion for outstanding end-of-life care and will be using their unique influence, skills and experience to champion the work of Dorothy House Hospice across its 700-square-mile patch and beyond.
James Byron, Head of Marketing, Fundraising & Engagement at Dorothy House, said, “Our ambassadors have the knowledge, skills and experience to represent our Hospice; raising vital awareness of our vision and being pro-active in helping us achieve our goals.”
The new ambassadors are:
Tom Dunn – Community Ambassador
Tom has just received a call-up to the England squad for the 2023 Guinness Six Nations as hooker. He signed his first long-term contract for Bath Rugby in 2016.
Tom knows more than most about the dedication of the Dorothy House staff; his wife Jen works as a pharmacist in the 10-bed Winsley Inpatient Unit.
Tom said, “I’m really looking forward to being a part of a team that are so committed to the care they provide and are such an important part of our community, I hope I can support the team in any way possible.”
Sir Al Aynsley Green – Young People and Dementia Ambassador
Over a long and successful professional life, Sir Al has gained a wealth of experience, which he has channelled into improving the lives of children and young people.
A trained children’s physician, clinical scientist, and ex-President of the British Medical Association, Sir Al has occupied many influential roles, including the first Children’s Commissioner for England and first Director of Clinical Research and Development at Great Ormond Street Hospital.
He said, “A child today across the U.K. experiences the death of a parent every 20 minutes and with proper understanding and support they can lead successful and confident lives; Dorothy House’s outstanding family support is needed urgently and deserves to be successful.”
Kitty Dimbleby – Wellbeing Ambassador
Kitty is a writer, poet, bestselling author and PR expert with over 20 years’ experience writing for national newspapers and magazines.
As a former trustee for Cancer Care Map and an ambassador for the Royal United Hospital’s Charity, RUHX, Kitty’s own health conditions and public spotlight on the importance of wellbeing bring valuable insights to the Hospice.
Kitty said, “My personal experience of living with a lifelong illness and chronic pain gives me a unique perspective on the vital role wellbeing can play in supporting mental health. Dorothy House has helped many people close to me and I am proud to be their new Wellbeing Ambassador.”
Jess Sheridan – Young People’s Ambassador
19-year-old Jess’s mum died in May 2021. Cared for at home by Dorothy House’s Community Palliative Care Nurses, Jess saw first-hand the vital role the hospice can play at the end of life both for patients and families.
After her mum’s death, Jess joined the charity’s Teen Bereavement Group and has been working with the family support team to navigate her own bereavement journey and has already helped Dorothy House communicate the importance of grief support in schools.
Jess said, “Since my Mum died, Dorothy House has supported me at every step. I am passionate about seeing grievers like me understood and not alone – and want to be an ambassador especially for children and young people, whose stories are invaluable and should be heard.”
