New Bluebell Wood chief executive Heidi Hawkins can’t wait to get started

The 48-year-old is joining from Beaumond House — an adult hospice in Newark — and will start as chief executive in North Anston in March.

She has ten years’ experience in such roles, including a previous stint as interim boss at Bluebell Wood over a decade ago.

“I’m really looking forward to returning to Bluebell Wood as CEO,” said Heidi. “I started my career in charity retail at the hospice, and my first post as an interim charity CEO over a decade ago was here.

“It was Bluebell Wood that inspired my love of the charity sector, and the hospice has always held a special place in my heart.

“The vital work that is done by the team there to help children and families with life-shortening and life-threatening conditions is truly remarkable and I’m overjoyed to be part of that care once again.”

Chair of trustees David Wilkin added: “The board of trustees are delighted with Heidi’s appointment and look forward to welcoming her back to Bluebell Wood.

“After a difficult year in 2022, we are pleased to have restarted our clinical services and once again offer our specialist palliative care and support to children and families going through unimaginably tough times.

“We’re sure that the hospice has a bright future ahead with Heidi at the helm.”

Heidi takes over from acting chief exec Nic Marriott, who stepped into the role during the six-month suspension of clinical services and was responsible for overseeing the successful resumption of these in December.

David said: “We’d like to thank Nic for her years of dedication to the hospice, and for her determination, effort and transformational leadership, all of which made sure we can once again offer our specialist paediatric palliative care for children and families.

“The board of trustees wishes Nic well with her plans to see the world and we wish her all the best for the future.”

Nic said: “I’ve genuinely loved working at Bluebell Wood. It’s not just the cause, and the fabulous work to support children, young people and their families, it’s also the people who are drawn to work and volunteer for the hospice.

“I’ve met some truly inspirational people at Bluebell Wood and will always be thankful for my time working alongside them and incredibly proud of all we’ve achieved together.

“I wish Heidi all the best for the future and know she will take the hospice from strength to strength.”