Governors and Trustees

A lawyer by training, I was managing director of the Cains Group for 20 years before retiring from private practice. I have served on the boards of several large multinational financial institutions as well as advising governments and supranational bodies.

I joined Hospice to help such an important part of the Isle of Man`s community and an organisation I have admired for many years. Hopefully my legal and commercial experience as well as my deep Manx roots will add value to Hospice and the wonderful work of its dedicated staff and volunteers.

I was born on the island and, after education at Rushen Primary then Castle Rushen High Schools, moved to the UK to study medicine at Manchester University.

Following graduation in 1985 and completion of the compulsory year as a House Officer in General Medicine & Surgery I pursued my career in Obstetrics and Gynaecology. I spent the subsequent five years in Sheffield Teaching & District General Hospitals. The lengthy training involving long hours, further professional exams & sleepless nights. I was awarded Membership to the Royal College of Obstetricians & Gynaecologists in 1990.

A move, in 1991, allowed me the opportunity to develop my special interest in subfertility & IVF at the Leeds Centre of Reproductive Medicine. After 2 years I was appointed as Senior Registrar and completed my general training in the Yorkshire region.

My first Consultant post was in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia and, on returning to the UK after 2 years, the opportunity of a Consultant post back on the Island came up. The interview took place at Crookall House, formally the old maternity unit where I had been born.

During my 24 years as Consultant in Obstetrics & Gynaecology I established a satellite IVF service to benefit couples with fertility issues alongside my general O/G commitments. The service has helped to support and facilitate what can often be a difficult and emotional journey. In 2010 I was voted winner of the ‘Pride in Mann’ Good Service (Public Sector) Award for commitment to the fertility services in the Isle of Man. I retired in May 2023 but continue to support the fertility & IVF services along with the promotion and integration of women’s healthcare.

Between 2020 -22, I sadly lost my husband, followed shortly afterwards, by my father and then my mother. Experiencing “end of life” care first hand gave me insight into the great importance of Hospice and the care and compassion provided.

I am honoured to have been elected to the Hospice Board of Directors and the Patient Care Committee and hope that my experience, both professional & personal, will help to maintain & promote this vital charity.

I am a Chartered Surveyor with over 35 years experience within the property industry here on the island, where I was born and brought up, the UK and abroad. This includes working in the areas of refurbishment, development, valuation and management, experience put to use in the management and strategic planning of Hospice and Hospice Shops properties. 

I firmly believe in the importance of Hospice to the Isle of Man and it is a privilege to be able to contribute, alongside the dedicated staff and other volunteers, to Hospice's continued existence as an essential, much needed service providing the highest standards of care to the island's community. 

During my career I worked in a wide variety of industries but predominantly always in HR. I held a variety of roles and became the HR Director for a number of large and often International organizations. 

My main areas of focus were Leadership and personal development, coaching, and organizational culture change. I joined the Hospice Board to utilize my skill and experience with a group of people who are passionate about the quality of service they provide and are an essential part of the Manx community. Since my retirement in 2017 I have worked with numerous charities and organizations on a voluntary basis to support their people agendas. 

I am a Chartered Accountant who has worked primarily as a tax consultant for the last 25 years of my professional career. After experience of general accountancy including audit, company secretarial and preparation of accounts, working locally and in London, I became Partner in charge and then Managing Director of professional services at PKF IOM embracing taxation, auditing, accounting services and insolvency. My primary role was as a tax consultant with administrative and oversight responsibilities for the other areas. In recent years I have worked mostly as a non-Executive Director or as an officer for Charitable institutions.

I grew up in the Isle of Man, and went to Sheffield City Polytechnic in 1986 to undertake my nurse training.  I qualified with a BA (Hons) in nursing studies in 1990 and for the next 5 years I worked in a specialist oncology hospital in Sheffield – initially as a staff nurse and then as a research sister running clinical trials into new cytotoxic agents.  In 1995 I started as a nursing lecturer at the University of Sheffield, and completed by Masters in Education for Health and Social Care Practice in 1999. Whilst there I developed and lead the palliative care programme at diploma and degree level.

In 2000 I moved back to the Isle of Man, and worked in St Bridget’s Hospice (as it was then) as the Senior Sister on the inpatient unit. I then returned to education as a senior lecturer for the DHSC in 2004, being promoted to Principal Lecturer with a responsibility for governance in 2016. Since May 2021 I have been the Interim Head of Nurse Education for Manx Care.

I am a Fellow of the Higher Educational Academy, and have a strong interest in leadership, governance, clinical standards and oncology and palliative care.

I joined the Board of Hospice Isle of Man in November 2022, and am the current Chair of the Patient Care Committee.

I have spent over 30 years building an international business and working with international clients in various sectors. I have also worked with Governments and charities on a pro bono basis to try and share my knowledge and experience.

After returning to the Island I wanted to bring skills I had learned during my international career to the Hospice. My background is in Banking and Wealth/Investment Management and I have various skills and professional qualifications that can help the organisation.

Hospice was a charity always supported by my family when I was growing up on the Island and I hope to bring skills that will help Hospice grow and make the most of the generous donations of others.

I am a Chartered Company Secretary, (qualifying in 1993) with a career that has spanned a number of industries, including over 30 years’ experience in regulated financial services.   The last 20 years have been in Company Secretarial roles with a large international bank and more recently with a smaller independent business.   It is an honour to be able to support the dedicated work that the Hospice staff and volunteers provide across the Manx community.