Meet our new Ambassadors

We are delighted to announce our four new volunteer Ambassadors!

Our four 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 our 700 square mile patch; stretching over Bath & Keynsham, East Somerset, North Wiltshire and West Wiltshire.

“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.”

James Byron – Head of Marketing, Fundraising & Engagement.

Tom Dunn – Community Ambassador

Tom has just received a call-up to the England squad ahead of the 2023 Guinness Six Nations as hooker. He signed his first long-term contract for Bath Rugby in 2016. Just 12-months later he was called up to play for his country. Call-ups followed in 2018 and 2019, before he secured his first cap in the 2020 Six Nations.

Tom knows more than most about the dedication of the Dorothy House staff; his wife Jen works as a pharmacist in our 10-bed Winsley Inpatient Unit.

“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.”

 

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 our Hospice.  

“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.”

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 channeled 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.

“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.”

 

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 our family support team to navigate her own bereavement journey and has already helped Dorothy House communicate the importance of grief support in schools.

“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.”

Dorothy House Ambassador Team

Our four new Ambassadors will increase our panel to 10. They join a dedicated team of professionals who we look forward to working with more closely this year.

Sir Rupert Dewey – Solicitor.
Stephanie Millward –  Multi-medal winning Paralympian.
Jo Muir – Multi-medal winning Modern Pentathlete.
Alan Phillips – Ex-Somerset and England U19 cricket player, whose wife, Amanda, died at Dorothy House.
Rev Nigel Rawlinson – Non-denominational Minister and ex-palliative care doctor.
Garry Peagam – Ex-Trustee and Treasurer.

Thank you to Dan Hipkiss

With four new Ambassadors at the helm and a busy life to lead, Dan has decided to step down as Ambassador.

We are incredibly grateful to Dan for all of his support over the years. From Events to Campaigns, we know our charity has been enriched by his generosity of spirit and ability to garner support from our community. We wish him all the best with his new adventures.

To view our full team of Ambassadors, click here.