A LEADER with passion and dedication is wanted to help take East Cheshire Hospice into its next quarter century.

Current chairman of trustees Tracey O’Keefe is stepping down after steering the vital community facility through its silver anniversary celebrations last year.

A company director and marketing consultant, Tracey has been passionate about the work of the hospice and the services it offers to the residents of East Cheshire.

“I became aware of the hospice when a close friend passed away, and I volunteered as a driver,” said Tracey.

“I later joined the council of trustees in 2008 and was asked to become chairman in 2011.

“It has been a privilege to serve the hospice in this way and I would encourage people with something to give to seriously consider taking on this fascinating role.

“It is an exciting time for East Cheshire Hospice and there are ambitious plans in place for the next five years, as the charity seeks to ensure it is in a position to provide for the fast growing need for its services across the east of the county.”

Tracey steps down as chairman in September and added: “The hospice is in great shape – but it will be even stronger in the future.

"My successor will lead a highly committed and capable team of Trustees, staff and volunteers in delivering our five year plan, and by bringing their own complementary skills, experience and networks, they will play a key role in taking the hospice forward and forging ever stronger links with the community it serves.”

The hospice is working towards key goals over the next five years which include: continuing to develop key community services, particularly for dementia care and individualised programmes of support for people with life-limiting illnesses, improving access to inpatient care and providing services in people’s homes.

Other key areas include work with major donors and establishing strong partnerships with other health providers to improve training and working with the wider community.

Tracey said: “I will miss my work with the hospice but I will continue to be a strong supporter of all it does for the residents of East Cheshire. I am proud to be handing over the reins of such a vital and well respected organisation to whoever my lucky successor shall be.”

For more information on the chairman’s role, please contact Mike Spurr or Nick Roberts at Wickland Westcott on 01625 508100 or visit www.wickland-westcott.co.uk.