We were saddened to learn of the death of Ian Blair, Lord Blair of Boughton, and we extend our deepest sympathies to his wife, family, friends and colleagues. Lord Blair was Chair of the Board of Trustees at Helen & Douglas House from 2018 until 2024.
During his chairmanship, Lord Blair steered the organisation through eventful and sometimes challenging times, including the Covid-19 pandemic. His steadfast chairmanship safeguarded the charity’s financial and operational stability as we continued to provide outstanding palliative and end of life care to children and support to their families through a difficult time.
Lord Blair’s leadership of a new organisational strategy in 2022 was focused on providing more care to more children, which has been achieved. He also wanted Helen & Douglas House to be a centre of excellence and to continue to lead the way in children’s palliative care for the benefit of all children nationally and internationally. As we celebrated our 40th anniversary, that continues to be Helen & Douglas House’s driving ambition.
Jennie Younger, Chair of Trustees said:
“I very much enjoyed working with Ian as a Trustee before my appointment as Chair and have the deepest respect for his leadership and commitment to the organisation. We have lost a great advocate, and a very dear colleague and friend. On behalf of the Board, I would like to extend our sincere condolences to his family at this very sad time”.