The Priscilla Bacon Hospice Charity team

Click on the images to read more about each team member:

Lady Bacon Patron and Trustee

Susan Bacon is President of the Priscilla Bacon Lodge Support Group and is a lifelong supporter of Palliative Care provision.

She divides her time between London and Norfolk, where she sits on the Sainsbury Centre for Visual Arts Board and the Norwich Cathedral Council.

The Rt Revd Graham James Vice Patron

Born in 1951, married to Julie, a palliative care nurse, with two surviving children. Graham was educated at Northampton Grammar, the University of Lancaster and Cuddesdon. He was ordained in 1975, working in parishes in Peterborough and Welwyn Garden City, then was Selection Secretary for the Church, before becoming Chaplain to the Archbishop of Canterbury. Consecrated Bishop of St Germans (1993) he was enthroned in Norwich in 2000. Graham also became a Lord Spiritual and Chair of the Paterson Inquiry. He retired as Bishop of Norwich on 28th February 2019.

Robert Carter DL Vice Patron
Andrew Barnes Chair of Trustees

Andrew was one of the founding partners responsible for setting up Howes Percival’s Norwich office in 1989 and was the Firm’s senior partner prior to his retirement in 2017. He is the Master and Chief Executive of the Great Hospital, in Bishopgate. Founded in 1249, the Great Hospital is a registered charity which provides sheltered housing and care for over 100 Norwich residents.

Andrew is Chairman of Governors of City College Norwich, and Chairman of the Norwich Diocesan Advisory Committee for the Care of Churches. He is also a Trustee of Norfolk and Norwich Festival Trust, The Forum Trust, The National Association of Almshouses, and Transforming Education in Norfolk.

Peter Joyner Trustee

Peter was born and raised in Norfolk, before leaving for university in the late 90s. Following working in London and Cambridge, he returned to the county to continue his career in PR and Marketing. He currently owns and run a marketing agency based in Norwich and London, and is responsible for all of our communications activity at Trustee level.

When he isn’t working, Peter is busy with a young family and heavily involved in coaching rugby at a junior level.

Anna Dugdale DL Trustee

Anna began her career in the City of London, where she qualified as a Chartered accountant. Having married and moved to Norfolk with her husband, she worked in the NHS in Norfolk for a number of years, latterly as Chief Executive of the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital. It was in this role that she first became committed to supporting the improvement in palliative care for the people of Norfolk.

Anna was Group Chief Executive of RG Carter Group for four years, supporting the transition between generations of the family. She is now a Non-Executive Director in UK and Spain and Chair of the Global ESG Committee with G’s Group; one of Europe’s largest farming and fresh produce businesses.

In addition to her role as one of our Trustees, Anna is a Deputy Lieutenant of Norfolk, a Governor of Gresham’s school, and an Honorary Senior Lecturer at the UEA.

Fearn Ainsworth Commercial Director

Fearn moved to Norfolk in 2015 from Kinross, Scotland, to be with her family who also relocated. Norfolk is now home, after falling in love with the countryside here.

Fearn has a background in sales/marketing strategy, financial planning, and commercial development, to improve business efficiency in both the public and private sector. Fearn was a trustee for Leeway for 4 years and is an active committee member for the Norwich Businesswomen’s Network.

When not at work, Fearn enjoys time with her family, horse and dog.

Lynda McElligott Operations Manager

Having spent her childhood in the county, Lynda’s career started in the Docklands, London. However, after having a family, Lynda returned to where she had always been happiest, Norfolk!

Lynda spent twenty-eight years in Local Government, as Corporate Business Manager, working alongside the Chief Executive overseeing the Corporate Office, Audit, Risk, Governance and managing large scale projects. However, when the opportunity came along for a complete career change, Lynda seized it with both hands.

Lynda sat on the Executive Board of the National Association of Civic Officers, (NACO), for many years, was an active member with the North Norfolk Pony Club in younger years, and Norfolk’s under 14 girls’ chess champion, even more years ago!

When not working, Lynda enjoys nothing more than spending time with her family and horses, and takes every opportunity to be out in the fresh air, or on the beach near her home in North Norfolk.

Hugo Stevenson Head of Fundraising and Communications

Hugo was born and raised in Suffolk, but feels Norfolk is his spiritual home, and he has lived here for over 15 years. He started his career in London, in the fine art and antiques world as a specialist in 18th and 19th Century English watercolours and drawings.

In Norfolk, he has worked in hospitality, been the Regional Fundraiser for Marie Curie, and is a director of Stevenson Consulting PR and Marketing Agency. Hugo’s mother died in St Nicholas Hospice in Bury St Edmunds, which inspired his commitment to the campaign to build the new hospice for Norfolk.

In his free time, Hugo continues the ongoing renovation of his home, spends time with his teenage sons and enjoys attending concerts.

Andrew Davies Trusts and Major Giving Officer

Andrew has been involved in fundraising for more than 20 years, working on projects involving cathedrals, arts centres, churches, village halls, a monastery, a fire station, and much more besides!

He crossed the border from Suffolk to Norfolk in 1994 and has lived close to Norwich ever since. His mother received care in Priscilla Bacon Lodge, meaning he fully appreciates the benefits of a new hospice for Norfolk.

In his spare time, Andrew enjoys reading, dog agility training and escapology.

Claire Feek Marketing Coordinator & Fundraising Administrator

Claire has lived in Norwich all her life and has worked for several local charities in the past; including Big C Cancer Charity, Norwich RSPCA, and East Norfolk RSPCA.

She joined us in 2018, and was involved with many aspects of the capital appeal to build the new Priscilla Bacon Lodge. She now looks after all our donor records and oversees the Charity’s marketing activities; including our website, social media, e-news, and design work.

In her spare time, Claire enjoys music, films, the theatre and theme parks. She is also a passionate cat-lover and is currently owned by two rescue cats.

Rachel Turner Retail Area Manager

Rachel has lived in rural Suffolk for over 25 years and is in the process of moving to Norwich. She was a volunteer at her local British Heart Foundation shop for 12 years, combining a career in education management, teaching and being a mum to three children. She then took up a paid role at the BHF shop where she had volunteered. During Covid, Rachel returned to education as a Master’s student at UEA and in 2023 received an MA in Gender Studies.

In her spare time, Rachel enjoys visits to Norwich coffee shops, watching crime dramas and spending time with her family. She also enjoys spending time with her cat and two small dogs, a chihuahua and a Jack Russell terrier.

Jordan Codling Head of Retail

Born and raised in Norwich, Jordan joined the charity as a shop volunteer in December 2017. In January 2018, Jordan became the Deputy Manager of our Taverham shop and was determined to excel within the charity. He became the Taverham Shop Manager, followed by Warehouse Manager, and now holds the position of Head of Retail. Jordan has a particular interest in integrating technology into the charity retail sector.

In his spare time, Jordan enjoys country walks with his dog and partner, kayaking and music.

Tracy Henry Assistant Head of Retail

Tracy was born and raised in Norwich.  She joined the Charity as a shop volunteer in January 2017.  In August 2017, Tracy became the Deputy Manager at the Drayton shop, and was promoted to Manager in April 2018.  Tracy has always been determined to help support the Retail Management team, going above and beyond her position as Shop Manager, working in both the shop and at our Head Office. In December 2022, she took the difficult decision to move away from the shop and take on a new exciting challenge as Assistant Head of Retail.  Tracy works with Jordan, Head of Retail, and with the shops, supporting and helping them to achieve the outstanding results we are proud of.

In her spare time,  Tracy is an avid reader, and when she can get her head out of a book, she enjoys spending time with her family, especially her two beautiful Grandchildren.

Rebecca Howell E-Commerce Manager

Rebecca joined the team as a Warehouse Volunteer in 2019. Seeing the amazing service the Charity offered, and watching our hospice appeal grow, she was delighted to accept the role of Deputy Manager in our Cromer shop, weeks before lockdown was implemented.

To continue raising funds for the new hospice during this time, Rebecca and Jordan set up our Online Sales department, with just a laptop and a vision. We now have an ever-growing fantastic online sales team, with Rebecca at the helm, and always welcome new volunteers. Utilising our high end, vintage, and unusual donations, we can reach a global audience to achieve full sales potential. It is extremely rewarding and an exciting role.

In her spare time, Rebecca enjoys live music, travel, social running, and crazy fundraising challenges.

Emily Blenkinsop Online Sales Assistant

Emily was born and raised in Norwich and has lived here all her life. Having previously worked as a Travel Agent, Emily started working for our eBay team in September 2021. She quotes: “It has been the best decision I have ever made. I enjoy knowing that the job I do benefits others in so many ways”.

In her spare time, Emily manages her daughter’s football team, enjoys sports and travel, and loves music.

Jack Mackenzie Head Gardener

Originally from North Yorkshire, Jack moved to Norfolk in 2011 to study Fine Art at Norwich University of the Arts. A passion for supporting vulnerable people led him to volunteer and work for a number of NGOs, including as a mentor and befriender for New Routes Integration, as a volunteer in Kenya for Balloon Ventures, and as a team leader on an entrepreneurship training programme in Tanzania for Raleigh International.

In 2018, Jack shifted career focus to start working as a full-time Gardener. He has worked for local maintenance, lawn care, and estate management firms, before getting a job at Groundwork East as a Project Officer. It was here that he brought together his skills in gardening and those supporting and training vulnerable adults.

Jack started his role as Head Gardener at Priscilla Bacon Lodge in October 2023, and is looking forward to creating a unique and nurturing garden environment for all staff, patients, and families involved. Aside from more gardening, in his free time Jack enjoys working as an artist and travelling with friends and family.

Helena Scott Volunteer Coordinator

Helena worked for the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital for over 10 years, in many different roles. The last 5 years were spent as a Volunteer Coordinator. Helena is passionate about working with people and developing volunteering roles.

In her spare time, Helena enjoys Crossfit, reading and spending time with her family. Helena also has 4 dogs, which keep her busy!

Amy Wright Events and Fundraising Coordinator

Amy was born and raised in Norfolk. She has worked in hospitality and corporate events for over 7 years. Amy was involved in the local village hall committee by hosting quiz nights for 10 years – and they have grown! The quiz nights would always support local charities, including NARS, Nelson’s Journey & Blood Bikes.

Amy is passionate about working with people and building relations within the corporate community.

In her spare time, Amy has her own allotment and enjoys the great outdoors by going on walks & exploring the UK. Also, she loves to do ballet and tap – she is in a local dance company. She also rehomed a tortoise in 2020, called Bruce!

 

Rachel Cowles Bereavement Services Lead

Rachel has worked locally as a counsellor for over 16 years, working across various local charities such as MIND and EACH, and NHS services supporting individuals and families with varying mental and emotional health needs. Within this. she has managed counselling services and bereavement support services for approximately 13 years. Rachel has a passion for supporting those who are bereaved.

Rachel joined the Priscilla Bacon Hospice Charity in November 2023 and is currently developing our Bereavement Support Service.

Maria Willgress Finance Officer

Maria is Norfolk born and bred, although she has worked in many parts of East Anglia. Maria worked in retail management for 15 years, then spent 22 years in both retail and commercial banking. Maria joined us as a volunteer in 2022, assisting with administration for our retail operation, and in 2023, she became an employee as a Finance Officer.

Maria has a very talkative parrot and is besotted with her two dogs, which she loves walking and spending time with. Maria is also a big fan of MotoGP and would love to follow them around the world for a year!