<p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I am very proud to have lead St Francis for the last 15 years.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>My role is split between being Chief Executive and senior doctor....and fundraiser!</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I have worked with thousands of patients and families facing the tragedy of serious illness and am constantly amazed by the resilience and creativity that people show in the face of suffering.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><strong><span style="font-family: Calibri;">As a doctor at St Francis I have seen the transformation that Hospice care can bring about. I have seen people move from despair to hopefulness. I am determined that the style of care we deliver should continue long into the future.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>Our care is tender, holistic, engaging and expert &ndash; truly discovering what is important to people as they face their mortality.</span></strong></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I am astounded by the passion and talent of our staff, the commitment of nearly 1000 volunteers and the unending generosity of everyone who has supported us for so long.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><strong><span style="font-family: Calibri;">But times are hard and I want to play a small part in making sure that our Hospice survives and thrives so we can support all those who could benefit from our care in the future.</span></strong></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">To support St Francis, I am testing my personal endurance by trekking in the Himalayas and leading the St Francis team. We are also visiting a new Cancer Centre in Delhi...and I hope to form a long term partnership, sharing training and knowledge between the UK and India.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><strong><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Illness takes us all by surprise and St Francis needs all the help it can get right now..&hellip;to ensure it is there, for all those who one day may need our<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp;</span>special care when time is precious.</span></strong></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Will you help me in my personal challenge to raise &pound;25,000 (or more !) for the Hospice ?</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Thank you <strong>so much</strong> for your donation - it means a great deal to me and to the Hospice of St Francis.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp;</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">Ros</span></span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Once you donate, they&rsquo;ll send your money directly to the charity and make sure Gift Aid is reclaimed on every eligible donation by a UK taxpayer.&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p>