Rainbows Hospice names Chair of Trustees

Rainbows Hospice for Children and Young People has named its new Chair of Trustees.

Paul Stothard takes up his senior position on the Rainbows Board with immediate effect. Mr Stothard has a background in accountancy and law but has a longstanding involvement in charitable organisations.

The move comes following a decision by former Chair Di Postle to step back from the role, though she remains on the Rainbows Board of Trustees.

Mr Stothard (59) is a qualified accountant and has worked in senior finance posts with Ernst & Young, HSBC, WH Smith and the BBC before heading up Shoosmiths solicitors and latterly offering strategic senior management consultancy services.

Based in South Northamptonshire he is married with three children and lists his interests as the Church, golf, gardening and motorbikes. Mr Stothard is a former trustee and volunteer rider with SERV (Service through Emergency Rider Volunteers), an organisation providing out-of-hours voluntary support to deliver blood and blood products for the NHS, for whom he remains a volunteer rider. He is also a Lay Minister for the Church of England.

Mr Stothard is a former chairman of the East Midlands CBI. He has also been chairman and director of the Peterborough Diocese Board of Finance (Charity) and non-executive member of the Bishop’s Council and Diocesan Synod.

Mr Stothard said: “I feel privileged, excited and proud to be playing a part in this terrific and joyful organisation which provides vital support to youngsters with life-limiting conditions and their families when they need it most.”

Rainbows hospice provides support to hundreds of families from across the East Midlands every year. Mr Stothard’s appointment comes at a time when the Loughborough-based charity aims to move forward its plan to extend its outreach services more widely across the region.

David Strudley, Rainbows CEO, commented: “We feel tremendously excited to have Paul onboard. He has proven strengths to complement the existing board at a time when Rainbows aims develop its services and reach.”

Rainbows hospice supports youngsters with life-limiting conditions and their families across Leicestershire, Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire, Rutland, Lincolnshire and Northamptonshire.

Mr Stothard (right) is pictured with Ronald Graham, Rainbows Director of Business Resources.