“Now when I look back over the pattern of my life, I can see it has all had a purpose and I understand how my experiences were preparing me for my role in the children’s hospice movement.”
Derek Phillips, Demelza’s founder president.
Demelza, a children’s charity providing outstanding clinical care and emotional support to children with serious or life-limiting conditions in the South East, is deeply saddened to learn that Derek Phillips, Demelza’s founder president, has died aged 83.
Along with his late wife Jennifer, Derek established the charity in memory of their daughter Demelza, who tragically died of a brain tumour aged 24. The charity has been dedicated to supporting care for local children with complex conditions ever since, helping families to make precious memories during challenging times.
Wanting to continue Demelza’s legacy, and after a mammoth four-year fundraising effort which amassed £4 million, the couple opened Demelza’s first hospice in 1998 in Sittingbourne, Kent – a beautiful building with its iconic oast house which Derek, an architect, had designed himself.
Derek faced further tragedy three years later after Jennifer unexpectedly died. She is remembered in the Kent hospice’s Garden of Tranquillity, along with many of the children and young people who have benefited from Demelza’s care and support.
Over the years Demelza has expanded by merging with two other charities; opening a hospice in Eltham, South East London, and a community hospice at home service in East Sussex. The charity provides support every year to over 2,500 children and family members providing palliative, respite, end-of-life and bereavement care, as well as practical support, family liaison, sibling support and creative therapies.
Paying tribute to the founder, Demelza CEO Lavinia Jarrett, who joined Demelza in 1999, said:
“We owe a great deal to the insight, dedication and fortitude of Derek Phillips. He had great vision and belief that the people of the South East would support the needs of a hospice for the children in our area. Our supporters have never disappointed and have never failed to ensure Derek’s vision lives on, providing specialist care and support to children and their families.”
Derek, who was living in Southampton at the time of his death, stepped down as chairman of the board of trustees in 2001, taking on the role of Demelza’s founder president.
In May 2022, Derek received a Prime Minister’s daily Points of Light award, which recognises outstanding individuals who are making a change in their community and inspiring others.
Sean Reynolds, Chair of Trustees at the charity, added:
“Demelza had worked at Acorns Children’s Hospice in Birmingham. After her funeral, Derek and Jennifer visited the hospice and saw that it was not a place of sadness and regret; instead, it radiated cheerfulness. They had a vision to create something just as special in the southeast of England in her memory and the courage and energy to bring that to reality.
“The board of trustees owe a debt of debt of gratitude for Derek’s long years of service as founder president and support for the children’s hospice movement. Our sincere condolences go out to Derek’s family.”
A tribute page has been set up in memory of Derek. If you would like to donate in Derek’s memory or leave a message, please go to: Tribute to Derek Phillips (muchloved.com)