Former Fundraising Committee member Peter Durrant has been appointed the new Chairman of Trustees at St Giles Hospice.

Peter, from Alrewas, became a St Giles trustee in 1996 and has served as Deputy Chairman of the charity’s Board of Trustees for the past two years.

His involvement with the hospice, which cares for local people living with cancer and other serious illnesses, began in 1987 when he became a member of the Fundraising Committee, and recently he has chaired St Giles’ Governance Committee.

A self-employed Career Coach operating through a national consultancy practice, and a Business Link mentor, Mr Durrant said: “I’m delighted to step into the role of chairman of a charity which has been close to my heart for the past 20 years.

“The outgoing Chairman, David Platt, has provided wonderful stewardship of the hospice over the past four years. He has ensured the views of the local community are heard, and that the charity received strategic advice and direction, while professional staff undertake the day-to-day management of our magnificent local care services.

“My aim is to guarantee continued success during this exciting time of expansion for the hospice, and I am looking forward to working closely with the community, the Board of Trustees and the Management Team at St Giles.”

Welcoming the new Chairman, hospice Chief Executive, Peter Holliday comments: “The Board of Trustees plays an integral part in shaping the strategic aims of St Giles, and it is with its help that we are able to maintain and expand our care services for the benefit of hundreds of local people and their families.

“Peter brings a wealth of experience and a deep knowledge of the charity to the position of Chairman.”

St Giles Hospice is a registered charity offering high-quality medical and nursing care for people with cancer and other serious illnesses, as well as providing support for their families and carers.

Patients come from across the hospice’s catchment area, which ranges from Ashby de la Zouch and Atherstone in the east, to Cannock and Walsall in the west – and from Burton and Uttoxeter in the north, to Sutton Coldfield and Coleshill in the south.

Care is offered at the hospice's facilities in Sutton Coldfield and Whittington between Lichfield and Tamworth, or in patients' own homes across the region.

St Giles spends over £5million every year providing its specialist services. With just a third of this funded by the Government, the registered charity relies heavily on donations and fundraising.