Claire Cardy, Chief Executive at ellenor since April 2014, is getting back to basics at the charity and spending time in all the different departments which make up the organisation. She’s previously been found helping to serve lunches and working in the ellenor shops, but on Monday 11 January she spent a shift on the inpatient ward at Gravesend.
“I pride myself on keeping in touch with all aspects of ellenor but nothing beats stepping out from behind my desk and actually getting involved – talking to patients and meeting relatives, volunteers and our staff,” says Claire. Before becoming Chief Executive at ellenor – which supports families facing terminal illness – Claire spent six years as the charity’s Director of Patient Care. She has a nursing background and has worked in a variety of senior management roles in the NHS and other charities.
“I began my career as a nurse, as I wanted to help people,” says Claire. “That compassion still inspires me in my role today and my time on the inpatient ward was a reminder of the fantastic work we do supporting patients and families at this difficult time. Everyone on the team is so dedicated and hardworking and I left the ward feeling uplifted and confident that we are doing something very valuable.”
Over the next few weeks, Claire will be spending time in other areas of ellenor – including working with the Fundraising, HR and Finance teams.
As a charity, not part of the NHS, ellenor needs to raise over £6.7 million each year to provide its round the clock care for families facing terminal illness. This includes providing medical treatments such as chemotherapy in the home for children, which prevents lengthy or stressful stays in hospital and means families can stay together.
Find out how you can support ellenor by donating or taking part in one of the charity’s events. Visit www.ellenor.org