our team are an important part of Hospice Aid UK

Jo Gratze - Founder & CEO

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Jo Gratze
Jo Gratze mum hospice aid uk
Kath, Jo's Mum

Jo established Hospice Aid UK over two decades ago after experiencing first-hand the exceptional care hospices provide after her mum was in a hospice. Her quiet determination and genuine commitment to supporting hospices has helped raise vital funds for end-of-life care across the UK.

Jo believes passionately that every hospice should have the resources they need to continue their remarkable work, and that families facing the most difficult times deserve the very best support.

She remains focused on ensuring donations go where they’re needed most – directly to hospices making a difference every single day. 

Trish Loveland - head of fundraising

Trish has been an invaluable part of Hospice Aid UK for a number of years, bringing organisation and dedication to our fundraising efforts. She manages our supporter database, coordinates campaigns, and keeps our fundraising activities running smoothly throughout the year. Her deep understanding of our charity’s work and attention to detail help us build lasting relationships with our supporters and the hospices we help. 

Robert Meakin - trustee

robert meakin trustee hospice aid uk
Robert has been involved with our charity for over 24 years, bringing his expertise as a lawyer specialising in charity law. He is particularly interested in healthcare issues and has written the book “Charity in the NHS: Policy and Practice.” Trustees like Robert are incredibly important to Hospice Aid UK, helping us raise essential funds for those in need of end-of-life care.

Jayne Meegan - trustee

Jayne brings over 30 years of organisational and operational expertise to Hospice Aid UK, with extensive experience in coordinating complex projects and fundraising events. Her calm, methodical approach and understanding of charity operations provide valuable guidance to the board. Having seen the difference hospice care makes to families, Jayne is committed to supporting our mission to help hospices across the UK when they need it most.

Barry Cherryman - trustee

Barry Cherryman, our long-standing superstar, voluntary fundraiser and now, much valued, Trustee. Barry works tirelessly for Hospice AID UK fundraising, out in all weathers, rain, or shine. Barry has been a voluntary fundraiser for Hospice AID UK since the charity started almost 25 years ago and has raised thousands of pounds.
He struggles with health issues, but that hasn’t deterred his spirit and loyalty to our charity. Thank you, Barry, for your unwavering motivation to raise funds for hospices. 

Sami Boyle - trustee

Matthew Gratze - trustee

Dennis Duhaney - trustee

Robert Young - patron

Robert Young has had a long and illustrious career in film and television, spanning five decades.

As a Director and Producer, he has credits for many feature films, including Fierce Creature, Splitting Heirs and Hostage.

robert young trustee hospice aid uk

“As an honorary patron, I will do everything in my power to help Hospice Aid UK achieve the goals they have set to fulfil their ambition to provide all hospices in the UK with every request for help they receive. Hospices, like us mere mortals, find they always need something. It often may seem trivial, like the need for a new bed or toilet supplies or a new refrigerator. However, many requests are serious, as the need for a new or replacement defibrillator. Hospice Aid UK are there to deliver and there are no questions asked or need to hear a reason. When I first heard of this aim I was touched by the simplicity and kindness of Hospice aid UK and as Honorary Patron I will do everything in my power to help them succeed in their aim to help the hospices in the UK and I hope you will too.”

Clive Black - patron

Clive Black, CEO of Black List Entertainment, has worked in the music industry for many years. Clive is the son of world famous & acclaimed lyricist, Don Black.

clive black hospice aid uk patron

"I am extremely proud and honoured to be asked to be a Parton of Hospice Aid UK. In my short time dealing with them their kindness and ambition is a pleasure to be a part of. I will try my best to help them reach their goals, please help where you can as they truly deserve it."

Bruno Centofanti​ - patron

Bruno Centofanti is a film director and producer; driven to explore the surprising truth in human stories and inspire people to be in touch with their humanity. Through his film projects, Bruno has travelled the world to be immersed in societies and cultures. Bruno has worked with a wide and diverse spectrum of artists and subjects including BAFTA and Tony Award winners through his most recent sci-fi short, “How to be Human”

Bruno Centofanti​ hospice aid uk patron

"End of life is not a taboo, it’s a reality that should be faced with dignity, love and care. Hospice Aid UK has a beautiful mission that supports those who need it, without question, from supplying equipment to resources to supporting families in their journey. I am honoured to be invited to be a patron of such an impactful and hard-working charity and will do everything I can to help them with their mission."

Alistair Elder​ - patron

Alistair Elder, Managing Partner of SGI Partners, holds several Board/Advisory positions in the education, arts and charity sectors. He is honoured to contribute to the important work that Hospice Aid UK does in supporting hospices and families across the UK in ensuring a dignified end of life for loved ones.

Alistair is a NED/Board Advisor who specialises in strategy, delivery and client engagement. He began his career as a UK diplomat serving in a number of roles over 16 years. Alistair then joined the private sector working and living in a range of countries before returning to the UK in 2016. Alistair advises a range of organisations in the International Aid, Trade Development, Climate, and Start-Up sectors, as well as being an International Trade, Governance and Policy Ambassador for the Institute of Directors. He is also a Fellow of the IoD.

alistair elder hospice aid uk patron

“Hospice Aid UK has made a real and positive impact on so many hospices and families. End of life is an important topic and Jo and her team are inspirational in their support for the hospice movement. I am honoured to be asked to contribute to the Hospice Aid UK’s work.”

Steve Thomas​ - patron

Steve Thomas, Business Principal of Haven Funeral Services, was the fifth generation of his family to join the funeral profession straight from school and has now been a funeral director for 38 years.

He holds a Diploma in Funeral Directing, is also a qualified embalmer and has a Certificate in International Repatriation.

Steve joined Haven Funeral Services in 2000 and now oversees all their branches, as well as focusing on the many community groups throughout the UK whose custom it is to have their loved ones repatriated for funerals abroad.

Steve Thomas hospice aid uk patron

“I am delighted to be a Patron of Hospice Aid UK and to support the vital work they do in providing funds to the Hospice Movement. Hospices are essential in providing dignified end of life care to so many families, so the role that Hospice Aid UK plays to that end is crucial and much valued”

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