A NEW chief executive has been appointed at Tynedale Hospice at Home.

Mike Thornicroft (50) has been confirmed at the helm of the charity following a successful stint working as the director of operations at Leeds-based social enterprise, the Ahead Partnership.

In that role, Mr Thornicroft was responsible for developing schemes linked with education to improve young people’s chances of employment.

Prior to this, he had worked for 14 years for the Royal National Institute for the Blind and its associated charity Action for Blind People. His last position with this charity was as head of service delivery and operations across the northern region.

Mr Thornicroft said: “I am delighted to have been appointed as chief executive of Tynedale Hospice at Home. It’s a wonderful charity and I am inspired by the innovative way it delivers high quality hospice care to people in our local community.

“I am looking forward to working with the team of dedicated staff, volunteers, trustees and supporters to build on this excellent work to ensure that our care and support reaches the people who need it in the heart of the communities we serve.”

The charity’’s chairwoman of trustees Anne Francis, said: “We are thrilled to welcome Mike to Tynedale Hospice at Home. He brings with him a unique set of skills which will contribute significantly to the continuous development of our hospice as we strive to provide care and support to hundreds of people in our local community.”

Mr Thornicroft replaced Alison Hands who stood down in June after three years in the post. He started in the role last week.