Emma's story

Emma joined St Leonard’s Hospice after many years working as a nurse and leader within the NHS, where she developed a strong commitment to patient‑centred care and bringing teams together. “From my very first conversation about the role, I knew St Leonard’s was somewhere special,” she says. “It was clear the Hospice was loved by the community, and that patients were always at the centre of decisions. I knew it was a place where I could see the impact of good care every single day.”

She first joined as Director of Clinical Services and, while completing a master’s degree in Voluntary Sector Management and Leadership, felt ready to take the next step. When the Chief Executive role became available, she knew she wanted to help lead the Hospice into its next chapter. Emma remains a registered nurse, something she is deeply proud of. “I’ve never lost sight of the right thing to do for patients and families,” she says. “Even on the toughest days, I know we are providing excellent care and that what we do makes a difference.”

Emma’s message to supporters is simple: “It’s an enormous thank you. The Hospice could not do what it does without the generosity, commitment and belief of the community, staff, volunteers and fundraisers who have supported it for 40 years.” She describes the Hospice team as “custodians of this organisation on behalf of the people of York and North Yorkshire.”

“Hospices like St Leonard’s are so much more than places where people come to die,” she explains. “They are places where people come to live the best life they can, until they die. We are here from the moment someone is diagnosed with a life‑limiting illness, right through to the end of life, and beyond that to support families in their grief.”

Looking back on the Hospice’s 40th year, Emma says the Services of Thanksgiving at York Minster and Selby Abbey were standout moments. “Seeing our supporters, staff, volunteers and families come together to reflect on four decades of care was incredibly special. Being able to thank them all in person felt like a real privilege.”