THE TOP boss at Acorns Children’s Hospice has announced he will step down from his role later this year after six years in charge.
Toby Porter will be leaving his post in September and take on the role as chief executive of national charity Hospice UK, which looks after the country’s network of adult and children’s hospices.
He said: “Acorns is an incredibly special charity and I have been completely inspired by the courage, compassion, and generosity I have witnessed during my time as chief executive.
“What will remain with me above all as I depart, will be the feeling of being humbled – every single day – seeing firsthand the countless ways Acorns makes a difference to children and families across our local community.
“Although it won’t be easy to say goodbye, it’s the right time to hand the reigns to someone else who can lead the charity with new ideas and fresh perspectives and help this vital children’s hospice service continue to flourish over the coming years.
“I am incredibly proud that today, despite the upheaval and challenges of the past few years, this charity is stronger than ever, and able to provide the same love and children’s hospice care it always has done. I know that in the future, Acorns will reach more families than ever.”
Acorns provides care for sick children and their families across the region including Solihull and has a number of shops raising funds to help keep the services going.
Toby joined Acorns as Chief Executive in 2016, from his previous role as chief executive at HelpAge International, and over the past six years has helped steer the charity through a number of significant milestones and challenges.
Acorns Children’s Hospice chairman, Mark Hopton, said: “Toby has provided truly inspirational and outstanding leadership to Acorns over the past six years, a period characterised by some extremely serious challenges.
“Toby and our wonderful team of employees and volunteers have guided Acorns to a position today of real strength and stability.
“It is heartening to know that Toby will continue following his passion for hospice and end of life care on the national level and on behalf of everyone at Acorns, we wish him all the very best.”
The Acorns Board of Trustees is set to begin the process of recruiting Toby’s successor.
