Our President, Vice Presidents and Patrons

Sally Gunnell OBE is a British former track-and-field athlete, who won the 1992 Olympic gold in the 400 metres hurdles. She was a Patron for Chestnut Tree House for 10 years, becoming Vice President of both hospices in 2019. Sally plays an active role for the hospices, having been involved in the annual Snowman Ball and various running and cycling events including the ‘Alinkerlympics’. We are enormously grateful for her support at so many events over the years. She is a true advocate of St Barnabas and Chestnut Tree House Hospices.

Kathy is a long-standing supporter of our hospices. She co-founded Friends of Sussex Hospices in 1995 when she became associated with Martlets Hospice where she volunteered for many years and is now an ambassador. She is currently President of Friends of Sussex Hospices (FSH), a charity run entirely by volunteers that supports the 12 Sussex hospice care providers including St Barnabas and Chestnut Tree Houses. FSH works alongside us to raise funds and promote the vital service we provide to the local communities.

More information coming soon

More information coming soon

Margaret is retired, was Deputy Lieutenant for West Sussex, and was given an OBE for services to children in Belarus. She was the former Assistant Director of Social Services at West Sussex Council, and Lead Governor for Western Sussex Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. Margaret’s grandson, Matt, started the much-enjoyed and wonderfully successful Hospice Harmony Choir. She has volunteered throughout her life and has held management, committee, and voluntary positions in many charitable organisations. She has organised and supported numerous events in our local community.

More information coming soon

More information coming soon

Ian has supported St Barnabas for nearly 10 years after we cared for his wife in 2015. From 2016, he was one of our Ambassadors, being involved in engagements and giving talks to raise awareness of the Hospice. He is proud to have been a Patron since 2021 and has kindly pledged a legacy to St Barnabas Hospices and helps promote legacy giving. As a keen golfer, Ian helps organise the St Barnabas Golf Days and is a strong supporter of our Sunflower Memories appeal.

Derwyn is the former Chairman of Trustees at St Barnabas Hospices and has been supporting us since 2009. Derwyn has run the Brighton Marathon and Littlehampton 10K for Chestnut Tree House on more than one occasion and has participated in many challenge events for St Barnabas House. Derwyn and his wife, Gillian, who is a regular volunteer at Chestnut Tree House, are great supporters of both Hospices.

Tim was first elected to Parliament in 1997 as the Member of Parliament for East Worthing and Shoreham. He has been a Patron of both St Barnabas and Chestnut Tree House for over 15 years and regularly attends fundraising and publicity events.

More information coming soon

Caroline has been involved with various community volunteer programmes for many years. She is a Deputy Lieutenant for West Sussex and a Bishop’s Champion for the charity Family Support Work. Caroline was also the High Sheriff of West Sussex in 2018/19. Caroline is a wonderful supporter of St Barnabas House, taking part in hospice-organised events including the South Downs Trek, and helping with community events with fellow Patron Margaret Bamford.