St Luke's Hospice (Harrow & Brent) is a charity which aims to provide the best quality end-of-life care to people, in a place of their choice. At home supported by Community Care Teams, in the inpatient unit or at the Woodgrange Day Services centre (currently on hold due to the pandemic).
Neel says, “I am truly honoured to be appointed as a trustee and look forward to working with the board, our volunteers and supporters to continue to offer the essential services we do.
I have over 20 years commercial sales and marketing experience that I look forward to bringing to St Luke's board of Trustees to support in delivering the Hospice vision and sustaining the care we provide to our community. I have had the opportunity of working voluntarily with other charities & not for profit organisations in the past, which includes being Chairman for the NACC & The Food Chain, so have vast knowledge around the sheer importance of person-centred care. I look forward to proactively supporting and adding value to the board for the overall benefit of the people in Harrow and Brent.
I have been a supporter of the work at St Luke's since 2011 when my grandmother died here, so have first-hand experience of the professional and dedicated end of life palliative care provided. I have enjoyed supporting the Hospice through the years with fundraising activities which includes organising the Hospice Christmas fete and more recently in 2019 completing the London Marathon”.
St Luke’s Chief Executive Alpana Malde said: “We are thrilled that Neel has joined our Board as a new Trustee. He brings a huge wealth of knowledge and experience, as well as his incredible fundraising record. He will serve as a vital member of the Hospice team as we work to shape the future of the Hospice. We’re looking forward to working with Neel, and we’re extremely grateful for the time and expertise which he will be bring to ensure we develop as a charity and continue to provide outstanding care for people in Harrow and Brent.”
The Hospice has been on the frontline throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, and the charity must continue to significantly increase their income to safeguard vital services that are so needed. Fundraising income has been impacted due to cancellation of events and all 18 charity shops were closed during the lockdown period. Government initiatives have helped the Hospice in 2020 to remain financially stable but there continues to be uncertainty and risk about the impact of a second wave of the pandemic, which may further curtail the retail, and fundraising activities of the Hospice.
All services provided by St Luke’s Hospice are free of charge. The Hospice relies on the generosity of the local community for 60% of the funds needed for their care. St Luke’s provides world-class palliative care and was recognised in the 2020 Parliamentary Review.
