Pendleside Hospice welcomes new trustees

Pendleside Hospice gives a warm welcome to Elinor Green and Amir Saeed, two newly appointed trustees, who bring with them a wealth of experience in the human resources and business sectors.

Elinor Green has over three decades worth of experience working in the HR industry and has worked with a range of different businesses and cultures from across the UK, Germany, the USA and India.

After graduating from university, Elinor enjoyed some time backpacking before spending 20 years working in the automobile industry, for the likes of Ford and Land Rover. Elinor then went on to spend over 11 years working for Graham & Brown, her last post being head of human resources, before retiring in 2022.

When asked why Elinor applied for the role of trustee, Elinor stated, “Since retiring, I have been keen to give something back to our community. I have never forgotten the support that my dad received at his local hospice in Yorkshire, and how it gave me and my family peace of mind that he was being cared for in the best and most deserving way. The help received by the hospice was invaluable and I am looking forward to being able to offer guidance to a worthy cause, such as Pendleside.

"Offering my skillset and sharing my work experiences with the team, in an area where more help is required, is truly rewarding. I can’t wait to learn more about Pendleside and help them work towards their future goals.”

The Pendleside Hospice board of twelve trustees volunteer their time to play a key role in the governance of the Hospice. They work to ensure that the charity maintains and develops its service to the local community, as well as making sure that Pendleside meets its requirements both legitimately and properly.

The duty of the board is to set the overall vision of the Hospice, supporting the day-to-day management of the leadership team and driving the strategy for the organisation. They all give up their time freely and willingly, and act as advocates for the Hospice by sharing what they do and by taking part in ongoing events.

The aim of former president and founder of Pendleside Hospice, Miss Muriel Jobling, was that the Hospice would be built for the community, by the community; an ethos which is never lost amongst the team of volunteers, staff and trustees, and this year, Pendleside celebrates its 35th anniversary of when Miss Jobling’s vision came to light.

Amir Saeed, shares what it means to him to now be a part of the Hospice team: “I have been involved in various events for Pendleside and since getting to know the staff, volunteers and Hospice more, I can see what an amazing, supportive and diverse charity we have on our doorstep.

"Pendleside has also provided invaluable CPR training to myself and supporters of The NK Foundation, a cause in which myself and others founded early this year, after the death of my son, Niqash Saeed. The foundation has formed a close connection with Pendleside and it’s heart-warming to experience such mutual support.

"As well as owning my own business in Whalley, I have worked in education for over 18 years and I have recently returned from Dubai after teaching there for six years. I now work as a Business Studies lecturer for Burnley College and UCLan, and I’m looking forward to being able to offer my advice and guidance when it comes to the practicalities and logistics of running the Hospice.

"You can’t help or change anything by doing nothing, and I’m looking forward to joining the board of trustees at Pendleside, and making a positive difference.”

Pendleside Hospice’s chief executive, Helen McVey added: “We are fortunate to have a strong board of trustees at Pendleside, all from varying backgrounds. Some are retired and some still work or run businesses in our local area.

"We are looking forward to having both Elinor and Amir on board; sharing the same passion and drive as the rest of the trustees, they will help to strengthen what is already a great team and help to drive our organisation forward. I am excited for what the future holds.

"Getting the right advice from trusted experts in their field is what will help Pendleside Hospice flourish and it will enable us to continue to deliver services to our Burnley and Pendle communities. Assisting those with life-limiting illnesses, and supporting their families is why Pendleside Hospice exists, and is always at the forefront of everything we do.”