An Exeter carity has announced a major new appointment.
Hospiscare has announced the appointment of Dame Suzi Leather as a vice-president of the charity, which provides end-of-life care for local patients and their families across Exeter, east and mid Devon.
Dame Suzi stood down from her position as the chair of the Charity Commission in July, aspost she held for six years.
Previously she was chair of the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority and was created a Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire in January 2006.
A graduate of the University of Exeter, Dame Suzi lives in the city with her husband and three children and says she was honoured to have been asked to become a part of a local charity she has long held in high regard.
"I am delighted to be joining Hospiscare, a truly wonderful local charity now in its 30th year, that has grown to support over 2,000 people – and their friends and families – every year," she said.
"I am conscious that Hospiscare would not be able to provide its very special care without the support of the local community and I look forward to adding my voice to that support and helping Hospiscare to continue to help people live well until they die."
Patrick Beasley, the chairman of trustees at Hospiscare, welcomed Dame Suzi to the charity.
He said: "We are highly delighted that Dame Suzi Leather has agreed to become a vice-president of Hospiscare.
"She has supported the charity for some years and now comes with a wealth of experience and knowledge through her chairmanship of the Charity Commission.
"She brings a tangible enthusiasm for being involved more closely in our work to relieve the distress of patients at the end of their lives and that of their families and carers."
