Leeds Cares expands Board of Trustees

Leeds Cares has announced three new trustees to the charity’s board with the appointments of Dean Hoyle, the founder of Card Factory; Heather Jackson, the Founder of Believe Corporate Relations - the home of Balanced Business; and Jasbir Singh Athwal DL, a business consultant and property developer.

Hugely succeccessful and highly regarded within their fields, the independently appointed trustees bring a wealth of experience from the retail, commercial and business sectors thus supporting the charity’s strategic, operation and financial management moving forwards.

Leeds Cares, the charity of Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, works to support NHS staff to deliver the best possible care for over a million patients and their families each year.

The charity specifically fundraises for Leeds General Infirmary; Leeds Children’s Hospital; Leeds Cancer Centre; St James’s University Hospital; Chapel Allerton Hospital; Seacroft Hospital; Wharfedale Hospital and Leeds Dental Institute, providing £5 million funding every year, thanks to fundraising from corporates, businesses and individuals.

Commenting on his appointment, Dean Hoyle said: “In 2018, I spent a period of time at St James’s Hospital. The quality of care I received was fantastic and as a result I feel indebted to Leeds Teaching Hospitals.

“I’m therefore delighted to be joining Leeds Cares so that I can support the hospitals and really give something back.”

Also touched by the hospitals on a personal basis, new trustee Heather Jackson comments: “My son was a frequent patient at St James’s and so I have always worked to support the NHS.
“However, the last few months have highlighted more than ever the importance of our NHS and that now really is the right time to get behind our hospitals.

“We all need to do our bit in making our hospitals the best they can be – otherwise it’s like having a great football team without a kit! I’m privileged to be part of the Leeds Cares Board of Trustees and delighted to be working alongside the inspirational team.”

Also commented on this appointment, Jas explains: “I’ve had a long association with the Leeds hospitals as my wife was a senior sister on the Paediatric Intensive Care Unit.

“I’m looking forward to getting started with Leeds Cares as now is a brilliant time to be giving something back to our hospitals by raising the profile of the charity and the fantastic work it does.”

Chairman of the Trustees, Edward Ziff OBE commented: “We are incredibly privileged to be welcoming three such eminent trustees to the Board at Leeds Cares. Their experience and expertise will undoubtedly guide and steer Leeds Cares in our work to support so many within our region.

“We are excited about the next era for the charity and look forward to working with the new team of trustees and the opportunities that this will bring.”