It is with great regret that we share the news that the Chair of our Trustees, Nicholas Jeffrey, has died of cancer on 19th December 2022, aged 80 years. 

Nicholas joined Ashgate in 2018 and became our Chair in April 2019, bringing with him a wealth of expertise from his successes in business and his previous roles as Chair of Sheffield Children’s NHS Foundation Trust and Chair of Sheffield Hallam University’s Board of Governors. 

During his time as Chair, Nicholas oversaw Ashgate’s response to the pandemic, which included services switched to virtual-only offerings overnight, the opening of our award-winning COVID ward and the successful campaign for sustainable funding from local health budgets.  

Barbara-Anne Walker, Chief Executive at Ashgate Hospice, said: “It was with such sadness that we learned of Nicholas’ death. He was a real force for strategic thinking on the Ashgate Board, especially through the uncertainty of the pandemic and he will be missed by us all.  

“Nicholas and I worked closely together for four years and I learned a great deal from him – especially about the need to keep a continual focus on strategy and the big-ticket items. His support and coaching continue to influence how I approach my negotiations with local commissioners to keep Ashgate’s much-needed services adequately funded.  

“As our Chair, Nicholas had a deep commitment to our patients and their families, and his skills and expertise played a vital role in our ability to continue to care for hundreds of people in North Derbyshire despite the turbulence of recent years.  

“On a personal note, I appreciated his true kindness when I was faced with personal bereavements. I will miss his laughter and his continued and insistent encouragement of my leadership of the hospice. We shall hold his memory at the heart of our work.”