Ambassadors

Star of stage and screen, acclaimed actress and singer Anita Dobson is an avid supporter of Thames Hospice.

Anita has supported many retail events, including the reopening of the charity’s Sunninghill shop and fronted our first ever Fashion Show at the Guildhall. Anita regularly pops into the Hospice to meet and chat with our patients and staff.

Following a recent visit to the Hospice in Windsor, Anita said:

"I was so moved by the warmth, serenity and compassion at the Hospice. Nothing is too much trouble from both the staff and volunteers."

Lord Rami Ranger CBE, FRSA is a British Peer and a successful businessman who runs Sun Mark Ltd and has been honoured by Her Majesty the Queen on Eight occasions. Six times for Business and twice personally for community services.

He was made Commander of the British Empire in 2016, is married to Renu and they have three daughters.

Currently, he is the Patron of the Conservative Friends of India, an Ambassador for the Conservative Party's Treasurer, Patron of Combat Stress, Fellow of The Prince's Trust, Chairman of the British Sikh Association, Chairman of the Pakistan, India & UK Friendship Forum.

Lady Renu Ranger is Head of HR Dept. at Sunmark Ltd and is also the Company Secretary for group companies and undertakes philanthropic work.

On a recent visit to the Hospice, Lord Ranger said 

“Renu and I found the visit to Thames Hospice truly inspirational, it provided us with both the opportunity to discuss the service and the support you provide. Your work is fundamental in supporting individuals through the most traumatic time.”

We are delighted that Lord and Lady Ranger have both agreed to become Thames Hospice Ambassadors to help inform the community of the support available through the Hospice and we very much look forward to working with them both.

Much loved for her role as Marlene in 'Only Fools and Horses', actress and Windsorian Sue Holderness has supported Thames Hospice for many years.

Sue supports many fundraising events and has recently opened some of our new shops, including Gerrards Cross. Sue helped us launch our 'Raise the Roof' fundraising appeal in the heart of Windsor in 2019 to support the new hospice build. We are also hugely grateful to Sue for supporting us during the Coronavirus pandemic in 2020.

Sue said:

"Thames Hospice has such a peaceful and welcoming atmosphere with wonderful staff."

In 2014, Kate Atkinson’s sister, Hatti, spent her final few weeks being cared for at Thames Hospice.

Hatti was just 24 when she died, and Kate (pictured left, next to Hatti) remembers their family spending precious time together, smiling, watching funny films and celebrating New Year’s Eve in The Sanctuary with bubbles.

Kate, a mum-of-two now lives in the United States and works for Amazon, says: 

“I always knew about the Hospice, but only through my love of the amazing Dedworth store! I always connected the Hospice with something you need much later in life, but I was astounded by their services, support and dedication to going the extra mile. After Hatti’s death, I received counselling at the Hospice, and I don't think I would be the person I am now without it. Hatti thought it was the most amazing place.”

Hatti told her family they must always support Thames Hospice and we are so fortunate Kate has agreed to become an Ambassador for us. Not only has she fronted one of our Light up a Life campaign, but she has allowed us to share Hatti’s story to raise further awareness of our work. After Hatti’s passing, Kate and her family set up Smile from Hatti, a charity supporting young people with cancer. We now hope some of the work Smile from Hatti does can benefit our younger patients with cancer, and look forward to working with the lovely Kate on future initiatives.

Jason is a passionate lifelong supporter of Thames Hospice with a long-standing family connection. Thames Hospice was formed by the merger of the Thames Valley Hospice and the Paul Bevan day hospice.

Paul was Jason’s father who died following a battle with cancer age 42 and Paul’s wife Penny and close friends formed the Paul Bevan day hospice in his memory.

Jason has continued the Bevan family’s close ties with Thames Hospice with a number of fundraising activities over the years, most recently creating the Big Mountain Challenge providing substantial support to the capital appeal for the new hospice. Jason also provides marketing and other support to Thames Hospice, backed up by his professional career in film marketing. Jason lives with his wife and three children.

Jason says: 

“I am proud to support Thames Hospice and honour my father’s legacy through this wonderful charity."

Thames Hospice has appointed Alison Cooper as Appeal Champion to help us fundraise for the Capital Appeal. Alison is an award-winning entrepreneur and active investor, responsible for the founding of multi-million-pound global aviation food solutions experts, En Route International.

Alison’s imaginative approach to working with customers, identifying their problems and finding solutions for them has provided real added value to customers’ product offerings, supply chain processes and ultimately their bottom lines.

We are honoured to have Alison working with us, utilising her skills, networks and knowledge to help us progress.

Carol is currently accessing Thames Hospice’s Day Therapy Services. Despite living with a life-limiting illness, she is a fervent fundraiser for us.

Her support includes opening our new shop in Gerrards Cross, press and broadcast interviews about the care she’s been receiving, and fundraising.

In amongst all of this, she runs a Rainbows unit and looks after her grandchildren each week. We think the world of Carol and are delighted and honoured to have her as one of our amazing Ambassadors.

In 2008, Richard joined Thames Hospice as a Volunteer Receptionist on our Inpatient Unit. By 2009, it became clear that Richard’s passion for the cause and extensive retail experience could help guide the Hospice’s future, and he joined our Board of Trustees.

He was a very active member for eight years, as Chairman of the Income Generation and Marketing Committee and a member of the Patient Care and Quality Committee, before retiring in September 2017. He remains a volunteer on our Inpatient Unit and at events.

Richard shows outstanding commitment to the Hospice and he is passionate about his role as both an Ambassador and Volunteer. He also ensures he visits the Hospice on Christmas Day; to support our medical staff, patients and families at this special time of year.

We are extremely grateful for Richard’s dedication and are honoured he still gives his time to us.

Thames Hospice cared for Lynne’s beloved husband, Chris, who died in November 2017 after battling prostate cancer for 7 years.

Lynne and Chris loved cats and she has recently adopted five rescue cats from Cyprus and Egypt who are her life and joy. In between working and caring for her large brood of felines, Lynne enjoys cooking, walking and cycling and is a devoted Ambassador for Thames Hospice. Apart from jumping out of a plane, Lynne says she will do anything she can to help the Hospice.

Christine’s husband, Adrian, was cared for by Thames Hospice until his death in September 2015. 

Christine is already very active in the local community. She is a Governor for the Marish Academy Trust, in Langley, and was Mayor of Slough between 2012 and 2013.

We are deeply honoured to have Christine’s support on a number of projects and events.

Thames Hospice cared for Kate’s friend, Clare, who died in April 2016 following a courageous battle against Motor Neurone Disease (MND). Their story featured in our very first Christmas Appeal and Kate continues to support us by regularly taking part in Hospice events.

Kate became lifelong friends with Clare through their shared love of the outdoors while both were Guides and Scouts. She became Clare’s voice when Clare lost the ability to speak as a result of MND. Kate lives in Fleet with her husband, has two grown-up daughters and is still fulfilling her love of adventure by organising Girl Guide events and expeditions.

We are eternally grateful for Kate’s support and look forward to working with her in the forthcoming years.