Our CEO
Becca Trower
Chief Executive Officer
“I trained as a nurse at St Bartholomew’s Hospital in London in 1985 and have spent the past 40 years specialising in palliative care. My career has spanned a number of settings from inpatient hospice care to community, the acute sector and independent healthcare. I also work for the Care Quality Commission as a specialist advisor in palliative and end of life care.
I have been part of the St Raphael’s team for more than five years now and have been touched by the passion and commitment that is evident amongst so many staff and volunteers. My role as Clinical Director has evolved and I am delighted to have the opportunity as CEO to help shape the future of the Hospice. There are huge challenges ahead and a need to raise the profile of fair funding so that we can provide the amazing care that our community deserves.
Out of work, my life is full. I live in Esher – I have two grown up daughters and a Parson Russell Terrier, Indie. Much of my time is spent with friends and family, travelling and walking locally along the Thames.”
What are Trustees and What Do they Do?
The Trustees have overall responsibility for the charity, ensuring that it is doing what it was set up to do and that it is run in accordance with its constitution. They may be known by other titles, such as directors, board members and they may also be committee members. Being a Trustee of St Raphael’s Hospice means making decisions that will impact on people’s lives.
Our Trustees use their skills and experience to support the Hospice, helping it to achieve its aims. Training is provided, so Trustees will also often learn new skills and acquire new experience during their time on the board.
Our Trustees
The Board of Trustees of St Raphael’s Hospice is made up of the following people, all of whom are unpaid volunteers:
Mr Norman McWhinney
Chairman of Trustees
Clinical Quality and Governance Committee
Human Resources Committee
“As I was edging towards retirement after 40 years in clinical medicine, I was invited to become an advisory committee member of St Raphael’s Hospice in 2014.
I was an Obstetrician and Gynaecologist with a special interest in the surgical treatment of gynaecological pre-cancer and cancer. The opportunity of involvement with the Hospice was appropriate and very welcome as I was beginning to lessen my clinical commitments.
I have found myself part of a large team of vibrant, generous volunteers and staff eager to provide care of the highest possible standard and it is a privilege to be part of such a worthwhile and effective organisation.”
Mr Alan Cogbill
Vice Chairman of Trustees
Finance and Resources Committee Chair
Clinical Quality and Governance Committee
Income Generation and Communications Committee
“I spent 35 years as a Whitehall civil servant, in strategy, policy and finance, working with ministers, judges, academics, legal and consumer groups, as well as the Treasury. I then ran a small public body for 5 years.
I have had several non-executive roles, in organisations tackling forms of disadvantage, on the council of a legal services regulator, and as primary school governor.
I learnt of St Raphael’s through a fellow trustee at a supported housing charity. Hospices matter directly to a large percentage of the population every year, and I was attracted to helping to establish St Raphael’s as an independent charity providing this important public service. Over the years I have been impressed by the improvements made on so many fronts despite all the acute financial and other challenges. It is a joy to play a part in an organisation where daily you can feel the warmth and sheer dedication of staff (and volunteers) to providing first class care to people at such a critical stage of life, and support to those around them.”
Steve Chambers
Finance & Resources Committee
“I grew up in Sheffield and alongside lots of sport, I spent a lot of my time helping a national charity where my mum was a volunteer shop leader. Our house was always full of donations and every time the doorbell went it usually meant more clothes or toys to sort through!
I’ve now lived in the Raynes Park area for over 25 years with my wife, two boys and Wheaten Terrier. I was aware of St Raphael’s through my work, as well as its fundraising network including its charity shops, which I have donated to on numerous occasions.
After starting my career in IT and software development, I am now a qualified accountant and project manager. I have 20 years health and social care experience working in strategy and corporate development roles in the independent sector. Most of my work has been on growth related projects through acquisitions and development of new facilities.
There are lots of challenges facing the sector with pressure on resources throughout our economy. I look forward to using my skills and experience to help the fantastic services that St Raphaels provide and all the amazing staff and volunteers involved so we continue to offer outstanding care and support to our local community.”
Dr Caroline Chill
Clinical Quality and Governance Committee Chair
“I have been working as a GP in Merton for over 35 years. Many of my patients have benefitted from the care and support offered by St Raphael’s. When I retired from full-time practice, I worked with the Merton Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) as a Clinical Director and board member, supporting the commissioning of primary care, community services, care of older and vulnerable adults and end of life care.
I now combine part-time clinical practice and a Clinical Director role with the Healthy Ageing team at the Health Innovation Network, South London.
I feel privileged to be able to continue to support St Raphael’s, through my knowledge of national health, care strategy and the local health economy, to thrive as an independent charity.”
Mr Grahame Darnell
Chair of Income Generation and Communications Committee
Anyone who has experienced bereavement knows how important local hospices are. From my perspective, St Raphael’s provides vital support to people when they are in a very emotionally vulnerable place. It is an important organisation for all of us across Merton and Sutton boroughs and it relies on voluntary income to provide the services it delivers.”
Mr Paul Holmes
Chair of Human Resources & Remuneration Committees
Finance & Resources Committee
“I worked in NHS management for 38 years, in a variety of NHS Trusts across Southwest London, and later in Workforce Development in the East of England, Wessex as well as the Department of Health. Before retiring in 2016, I was Director for Health Education England’s Southern and Midlands & East regions. My previous roles include a range of Chief Executive and HR Director roles in three NHS Trusts and a PCT, having started life as a Pharmacy Porter in Sheffield.
Following retirement, I retrained as a coach practitioner. Having grown up in Manchester, I am a lifelong supporter of Manchester United and regularly make the trip North to Old Trafford. I also play golf (terribly) and do my best to keep in shape.
I joined St Raphael’s Board in 2017. I have been consistently impressed by the standard of care offered by the St Raphael’s team and by the wonderful work of our staff and volunteers.”
Ms Manjit Lall
HR Committee
“I have worked in HR for over 20 years, predominantly in the public and charity sector. My experience spans from strategy to operations, including Organisation Development, Employee Relations, Change Management, Policies and Procedures, Recruitment, Reward and Performance Management and so on.
St Raphael’s was the first Hospice I visited when saying my final goodbyes to a work colleague of mine in 2009. I have been enormously impressed with the dedicated care that St Raphael’s provides, making a real difference to people’s lives. Most people who have experienced bereavement will know how important local hospices are. St Raphael’s provides vital support and expert care to people when they are in an emotionally vulnerable place. The Hospice staff are truly remarkable in what they achieve for their patients in the wards, in their own homes and through the Wellbeing Centre.
When the HR Trustee opportunity became available, I immediately knew that I wanted to be a part of the board. I look forward to applying my abilities to help assist the Hospice as an independent charity. I am not local to St Raphael’s, travelling a great distance from Essex to the Hospice, however this is an organisation that I am very proud to be a part of on any scale.”
Mr Bernard Marley
Income Generation and Communications Committee
Clinical Quality and Governance Committee.
“I bring four decades of experience in Offshore Oil and Gas Exploration, beginning in seismic data quality control and progressing to Offshore Manager aboard a seismic survey vessel.
In my 13 years at sea, and subsequent time as a Marine Operations Manager I gained considerable experience in survey planning, data acquisition, financial oversight, personnel management, and logistical support. In the final 12 years of my career, I served as Marine HSE Manager, ensuring our fleet maintained full compliance with rigorous Health, Safety, and Environmental standards, as well as the International Ship Safety Management (ISM) Code.
Beyond my professional career, I have dedicated 14 years as a Governor at a local girls’ secondary school, including six years as Chair. Since retiring in 2014, I’ve continued my commitment to community leadership as Vice-Chair and Chairman of a local Male Voice Choir.”