Thames Hospice thanks Chair of Trustees Chris Aitken for 13 years of outstanding service

Thames Hospice today extends its thanks to Chris Aitken, who has stepped down from his role as Chair of Trustees after more than a decade of exceptional service to the charity.

Chris joined the Board of Trustees in December 2012 and has spent 13 years supporting Thames Hospice through periods of growth, challenge and transformation. Having served as Chair of the Income Generation and Marketing Committee for five years, he was appointed Chair of Trustees in September 2022. He officially stepped down from the Chair earlier this month and will continue to serve as a Trustee until 31 December 2025, before taking on a new role as an Ambassador for the Hospice.

During his tenure, Chris has played a pivotal role in guiding Thames Hospice through significant organisational change, including the expansion of services, growth in income generation activity, strengthened governance, post-COVID recovery, and the wider financial and workforce pressures facing the hospice sector.

Since becoming Chair, Chris has been widely respected for his calm, steady leadership, his thoughtful and often gently humorous contributions, and his unwavering focus on the Hospice’s mission.

Beyond his formal responsibilities, Chris consistently went above and beyond his role. He was a familiar and welcome presence at Hospice and community events, often attending evenings and weekends, taking time to speak with volunteers, staff, supporters and families, and personally thanking people for their contribution. He has represented Thames Hospice with warmth, sincerity and pride, and has been a passionate champion of fundraising, community engagement and partnership working.

Chris’s professional background includes senior leadership roles in agribusiness and the food industry across Europe, as well as running his own supply chain and change management consultancy. Alongside his role at Thames Hospice, he holds a number of other trustee and civic positions locally and nationally, reflecting his deep commitment to service and community life.

The Hospice would also like to recognise the invaluable support of Chris’s wife, Linda, whose encouragement, presence at events and shared commitment to the Hospice community have meant a great deal throughout his time as Chair.

Although stepping down from the Board later this year, Thames Hospice is delighted that Chris will continue to support the charity as an Ambassador, helping to advocate for its work and mission in the years ahead.

As previously announced, Katharine Horler has now taken on the role of Chair of Trustees, and the Hospice looks forward to working with her as she leads the Board into its next chapter for the charity.

Katharine Horler, Chair of Trustees, said:
“On behalf of the Board, Executive Team, our staff, volunteers and the wider community, I would like to thank Chris for his remarkable dedication and the lasting impact he has made over the past 13 years. His calm leadership, integrity and unwavering focus on our mission have helped leave Thames Hospice stronger, more resilient and well placed for the future.

“As I take on the role of Chair, I am grateful for the legacy Chris leaves and the strength of the organisation he has helped to shape. I look forward to working with the Board, our colleagues and supporters to build on this legacy, as we continue to strengthen our services, support our communities and ensure Thames Hospice is here for everyone who needs us, now and in the years to come.”