Our leadership

I grew up in Kent in the 1950’s after returning from the Far East at the age of two. I was state educated in an old fashioned grammar school and had no idea what to do with my science A-levels. It dawned upon me that a doctor might always find employment, so without any sense of vocation, I made it into a London medical school in the 1970’s.

After graduation, I spent several years working in oncology and other specialities, until I discovered the world of primary care general practice. It led to Weston-super-Mare, where I settled with my wife Debbi, to raise my family and spend the next 40 years as GP. During my early years in Weston-super-Mare, I became involved in the original steering group that led to the establishment of Weston Hospicecare.

I was able to watch the hospice service evolve and extend during my years in practice. Having worked with the community staff during my practice career, I was deeply touched to be invited to join the Board of Trustees shortly after my retirement. I am still following my medical interests, by teaching a new generation of Physician Associate students, on a course that I helped to found at the nearby University of the West of England.

John took early retirement having spent 34 years with one of the large international accounting and business advisory firms. During his time with the firm John gained wide experience including audit, business advisory, management consultancy and restructuring. His last position being a Director in the Advisory Practice.

Prior to retirement, John had been a trustee for 9 years of a nationally renowned drug and rehabilitation residential centre. Since retirement, John has continued to keep busy including:

• Project Management for the hospice during 2016/17 assisting the Senior Management Team deliver several key projects.
• School Governor at the local primary school attended by one of his grandchildren.
• Part time Financial Controller for a manufacturing company based in Bristol.
• Treasurer of St Martin’s Church, Worle.

John is married to Pam and has lived in Weston-super Mare for over 35 years, and they have 4 children and six grandchildren.

Sheila was born and educated in Bristol.

Most of her working life was in the NHS; initially in nursing then, following Matron roles, Sheila became Operational Director of Mental Health Services across Avon and Wiltshire.

Following a very happy 30+ years in the NHS, Sheila took the opportunity to work in the private sector (nursing homes management), for charitable organisations (such as RAF association) and for a training company as an NVQ assessor.

Having retired from full time employment, Sheila worked as a volunteer in the Day Hospice prior to becoming a Weston Hospicecare Trustee.

Sheila lives in Burnham-on-Sea with her retired Naval Officer partner, Jack. Most of her spare time is spent gardening or enjoying her hobby of fused glass art.

Sheila is grateful for the opportunity to become a Trustee and looks forward to supporting the wonderful work of the hospice.

John has been a resident of Weston–super-Mare since 1987 when he was appointed to a post as a consultant anaesthetist at Weston General Hospital. He was a founding member of Weston Hospicecare in 1989 and was closely involved with the organization during its first four years.

Now retired from full-time medical practice, he became a trustee in 2019. Married to Linda, John enjoys a number of pursuits in his spare time including gardening, choral singing, playing tennis and walking in the countryside.

Mark is currently the Chief Operations Officer (COO) and Chief Financial Officer (CFO) at The Priory Learning Trust since September 2019, providing strategic and operational leadership across the Finance, HR, IT and Estates functions, as well as having devolved responsibility for Risk Assurance and Health & Safety.

He has also been the Deputy COO (Secondary) for the Trust and the Academy Business Manager at Worle Community School Academy. Prior to this he had fourteen years combined experience of School Business Management in secondary schools and is Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT) qualified.

Previously, he was a Supply and Logistics Officer in the Royal Fleet Auxiliary Service for fifteen years in support of the Royal Navy globally.

He lives locally in Kewstoke/Sandbay, is married to Debbie, a Midwife at Weston General Hospital, and has three daughters.
In his spare time he enjoys long dog walks, fly fishing, riding motorbikes, scuba diving and reading military history books.

Corrine has worked for the NHS for 43 years having started her nursing career at Gloucester Royal Hospital. On returning to her hometown in 1994, her nursing career has centred around developing and improving local cancer care provision.

She was responsible for the setup and development of the oncology haematology day unit and the acute oncology service at Weston General Hospital. (WGH)

In 2016 she semi-retired but continues to support WGH with its annual flu and covid vaccine programme.

She is married to Rob with 2 adult daughters. She enjoys a number of hobbies including dance, walking and reading.

Sam is the 5th generation of Walker to run Walker & Ling, Weston’s independent department store. His work requires a very broad variety of skills, principally the sourcing and selling of the right merchandise, but also managing his team, maintaining a creaky old building, and working with the other town centre traders.

Sam is a non-executive director at the Association of Independent Stores (AIS), a director of The Weston Town Centre Partnership and a trustee at St Anne’s Primary School.

When he’s not in the shop, Sam is at home with his three young children and his wife Rachel.

Sam has been a trustee since 2022 and brings his retail experience to Weston Hospicecare’s growing retail operation.

Mark moved to Weston in 1974 when he was 11 years old with his parents and sister. Met his wife, Deb on Weston Pier in 1979, they were married in 1983 and have 2 grown up children and have recently become grandparents for the first time.

Having recently taken early retirement from a career spanning more than 40 years in sales, business development, product/project management, strategy, business planning and senior leadership within a variety of industries and markets with both large national and international companies as well as a period running his own businesses.

Mark is also a keen scuba diver (Warm water only these days!), is furthering his interest in ancient Egypt and has recently began walking more to explore the Somerset countryside.

Mark is keen to utilise his skills, enthusiasm and experience to give something back to a charity that his family has close connections with.

John is a financial adviser and runs his company in Weston-super-Mare, he has been a trustee for 7 years and is passionate and committed to his role as trustee.

Married with 2 adult children and a new granddaughter. In his spare time, he walks his 2 dogs and is a keen gym-goer, and watches his beloved Bristol City at weekends.