THE Winchester Hospice appeal has received a boost with the appointment of a board of trustees to the charity that will lead the fundraising crusade.

The newly-appointed fundraising charity chairman is Nick Vaughan, who works at Paris Smith Solicitors, in Winchester, where he is a senior partner and head of the charities and non-profit sector.

The Winchester Hospice fundraising charity aims to raise £2.5m to convert an historic building on the hospital site on Romsey Road to a 10-bed hospice for local people.

Elizabeth Padmore, chairman of Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, said: “Nick brings with him a wealth of knowledge about the charitable sector and is well connected to the local community. He is as passionate about building this hospice as we are.

“Fundraising has got off to a generous start thanks to all of the donations and support we’ve received so far, and now we look forward to the fundraising charity leading the appeal to ensure we reach our fundraising target as quickly as possible.”

Ms Padmore, who has also pledged her personal support to the Winchester Hospice fundraising charity by becoming a trustee, added: “I look forward to working with Nick and my fellow trustees and I take this opportunity to thank them all for their support in helping us raise the money we need for a hospice in Winchester.”

Mr Vaughan said: “I am very pleased to take up this role. It is almost impossible to believe that Winchester does not have a hospice, with patients requiring this care currently needing to travel to Andover or Southampton.

“The hospice will be a tranquil and supportive haven but with the added benefit of the local NHS hospital trust’s specialist palliative care team being on hand. The sooner we can raise the money, the sooner everyone can be assured that if they should need it, there is a local hospice offering round-the-clock specialist care and advice.”

And he added: “I am delighted to welcome the trustees to the Board who join me on this endeavour. All of us share a passion for raising the money we need for a hospice in Winchester, and each trustee brings valuable insight and a range of skills that will help us make the most of every fundraising opportunity.”

To date, fundraising has raised £1.4m. To donate to the appeal, or to find out more, visit winchetserhospice.com.