Our strategic leadership team work together with our trustees to deliver the strategic vision of the hospice. 

Our trustees are from a wide range of career backgrounds. Their many skills and expertise help us keep offering the best possible care and support to children and families that need it. Would you like to meet them?

David Wilkin - Chair of Trustees

David started out as an engineer and has since held senior roles at international companies in a variety of sectors, including manufacturing, marketing and events.

Now semi-retired, David has worked with numerous charities over the years and currently sits of the board of The National Coal Mining Museum and Real Life Options, a charity that supports people with learning disabilities.

“Bluebell Wood is such an important charity doing absolutely vital work. There can be fewer greater motivators than helping to give young people who are at the end of their life, or whose time may be limited, and their families the best possible experience.”

Steve Allen - Vice Chair of Trustees

Steve wanted to be one of our trustees as he had a personal connection through friends who got fantastic support from Bluebell Wood at a very difficult time in their lives.

He previously worked in IT management for 33 years and is now Vice Chair of Trustees.

“Being a trustee here is a real privilege. This is a wonderful cause and I want it to continue to give excellent support to families when they need it most.”

Richard Worth - Trustee

Richard was inspired to work with Bluebell Wood after seeing how a family he knew benefited from respite and support.

He spent 25 years as a Consultant Physician together with various management responsibilities.

“It’s enormously rewarding to be part of an organisation that brings laughter and happiness to children and young people with life limiting illnesses and their families.”

Rum Thomas - Trustee

Rum has a longstanding working relationship with Bluebell Wood through her work in paediatrics at Sheffield Children’s Hospital.

She has been a Consultant in Paediatric Critical Care at the hospital for 11 years and is passionate about using her specialist knowledge and experience to help families make precious memories in the time they have together.

“It is a huge privilege to contribute to developing care for children with life-threatening and life-shortening conditions at Bluebell Wood to have the best possible quality of life, whilst also supporting their families and the communities around them."

Stephen Hall - Trustee

Stephen was keen to become a trustee of Bluebell Wood because of the difference they make to people’s lives.

He has worked as a HR professional for over 20 years, across a number of different businesses and is now Head of People for a social housing provider.

“I’m really proud to be a part of Bluebell Wood.  You can see the impact the team makes to the families they work with, and being able to contribute to such a great cause is quite humbling.”

Rebecca Chapman - Trustee

Rebecca was inspired to become a trustee of Bluebell Wood after being impressed by the positivity of staff members she met on a tour of the hospice. 

Rebecca is a Police Superintendent and has completed almost 30 years of service. 

"I'm looking forward to understanding more about the work of the hospice and I'm excited to help with anything that needs achieving, applying the skills I've developed in the last 30 years of my career."

Louise Beaumont - Trustee

Louise has worked in social care for more than 30 years. She is currently
 an Operations Director for an organisation supporting people with Autism in residential and supported living settings. 

"I was looking to support a local charity with a strong purpose and person-centred values. When this opportunity came along I was drawn to the passion and dedication of Bluebell Wood.

"I am keen to be an active trustee and support the organisation in its journey. The amazing work that is happening everyday by the wonderful team is something that I am excited about learning more about."

Nicola Didlock - Trustee 

Nicola has worked in the third sector for more than 25 years in national and local social care charities. 

She is currently CEO of a charity supporting those formerly employed in the coal mining industry. 

"Supporting children with life limiting illnesses is so very valuable and I feel hugely privileged to contribute to that. I am also very passionate about the wider support services for parents, siblings and families which make such a huge difference."

Meet our Senior Care Team