Hospiscare chief awarded honorary degree

Glynis Atherton, Hospiscare chief executive, has been awarded an honorary degree of Doctor of Laws by the University of Exeter.

She was presented with the award by university Chancellor, Baroness Floella Benjamin at the Winter 2015 graduation ceremony.

Hospiscare which is based in Exeter enjoys long standing and excellent support from the university campus services staff and students.

Glynis said: “I’m delighted and it’s a privilege to be receiving this award on behalf of Hospiscare. It recognises the difference the charity has made in 33 years, the commitment and dedication of staff and volunteers who support patients and families and the excellent partnership we’ve developed with the university over the last three years and which is set to continue for the next two years.”

Patrick Beasley, chairman of trustees, said: “Glynis has been our chief executive for nine years and during this time has led a number of major developments to improve the care we give to patients, their families and carers both in the community and in the hospice.

“This work is underpinned by the strong relationships she has formed with our sister charities along the East Devon coast and with innumerable local businesses and organisations, including the university. Students and staff of the latter have supported us unstintingly over the last three years and we are delighted that they will continue to do so for the next two years."

Glynis graduated from Swansea University with a degree in politics and began her career in the voluntary sector. Her first post was with a housing association in London, followed by a period when she ran a national coalition of community organisations from home while raising her young children.

Following a move to Northamptonshire, Glynis held the post of county director for Victim Support. She then joined the national charity the Motor Neurone Disease Association as a senior manager.

While there she completed an MBA with the Open University and later secured Institute of Director professional qualifications. She joined Hospiscare in 2006.