Derian House appoints new partnerships manager

Working with communities and businesses across the North West, Stuart Chell is leading the Chorley hospice’s busy fund-raising team who work hard to bring in the vital funds to continue its work with young people who access its services. Stuart, who grew up in Coppull, said: “Like so many people in this area, I’ve always known about Derian House and its amazing work.“To be part of the Derian team now, working alongside such dedicated, caring colleagues and inspirational families is a real privilege. “I’m excited to be working with our dedicated supporters and volunteers across the North West for such a great charity that really does make a huge difference.”Stuart, who lives in Wigan, has previously volunteered as a church co-ordinator with Safe Families for Children and worked as development manager at Bolton School, helping children from diverse backgrounds obtain bursaries to access private education.The father-of-two is also bringing his experience as head of fund-raising for national Christian charity The Message Trust. He said: “A constant in my career has been working hard to ensure that children, young people and families are given every opportunity to thrive, whatever their circumstances. “At Derian that’s our mission and we’re recognised nationally for our work. We offer the best possible care – parents know their children are in the safest of hands – and we help provide precious memories in lives that can be cut tragically short.“But this amazing work comes at a cost – in 2017 we must raise £3.85m as central government provides only a very small percentage of our running costs; only enough to keep us open a matter of weeks each year. That’s why every donation, big or small, matters to us.”Looking ahead, Stuart is already making plans to renew the existing relationships Derian has with its generous supporters across the North West and breathe new life into the charity’s retail arm, so its shops can become community hubs. He said: “We are one big family at Derian House and we work together to do our very best for the children and families who come through our doors or whose homes we visit. “Our fund-raisers and supporters are part of that Derian family, too. Everyone has an individual talent or idea that can help but we all share one common goal – to be there for those children and families with nowhere else to turn at the very toughest of times.“Together we can make a big difference.”To get involved in fund-raising for Derian House, contact the fund-raising department on 01257 271271 or email [email protected]

For details of Derian House's latest fund-raiser click here http://www.lep.co.uk/news/dog-tails-at-the-ready-for-wags-and-wellies-derian-house-fund-raiser-1-8369572