Our Ambassadors
Our Ambassadors go the extra mile to spread the news about what we do.
Our voice in the local community
Our ambassadors are friends and volunteers who are deeply committed to helping Willen Hospice. They regularly go the extra mile to spread the news about what we do and act as our voice in the local community.
As Willen Hospice fundraisers, their duties may include attending community events as representatives of the hospice, receiving cheques and donations at events, speaking for Willen Hospice at the events or thanking community supporters in person. Ambassadors also attend quarterly briefings with our Community Fundraising team and are vital in helping us to shape our fundraising events.
Richard Scott
AMBASSADOR
I have lived in Newport Pagnell for the last 20 years with Carmel, my wife, and my two daughters Ella 12 and Cara 14. I have worked for Volkswagen Financial Services for 32 years in a variety of roles including Area Manager, a Credit Manager & “Kreditchef” for a secondment in Sweden. My current role is Chair of the Employee Forum.I am also a Mental Health First Aider.
Previous to this, I lived and worked in the French and Italian Alps for several ski equipment manufacturers as well as volunteering in mountain rescue. I am also the Chair for Smartgo Milton Keynes – The sustainable commuting group with 27,000 members from a variety of businesses.
I have supported a variety of charities including three Hospices over the years but have never come accross a charity that I have enjoyed working with as much as Willen Hospice . It has a unique atmoshpere , with amazing staff and volunteers who deliver so much care,compassion and drive to support patients and their families.
Apart from bucket collecting, I enjoy taking part and helping to organise fundraising activities such as the Midnight Moo, Fire Walking, Ride for Willen, Secret Santa, Mini Moo and abseiling. I also enjoy helping out with gardening, running errands between the Hospice and MK Hospital on weekends and Bank holidays and collecting Christmas trees.
In my ambassador role, I also help promote the Hospice and its activities within the community.
Lainey Harries
AMBASSADOR
I have always believed in the importance of giving back to my community and have been involved in volunteering for many years. My journey with Willen Hospice began in 2010 when I took on the challenge of cycling from London to Paris to raise funds for the hospice. It was a memorable experience that pushed me out of my comfort zone and, thanks to the generosity of family, friends, and supporters, I raised £2,500 for this incredible local charity. Following the cycle challenge, I became more involved with the hospice by joining the committee of the Friends of Willen Hospice. From that point on, I haven’t looked back. Over the years, I have supported a wide range of fundraising events and initiatives, helping to raise both awareness and vital funds to ensure the hospice can continue providing its outstanding care and support to local people and their families. My connection to Willen Hospice became even more personal last year when my dad spent the final seven weeks of his life there. During an incredibly difficult time for our family, the hospice team provided exceptional care, compassion, and dignity, not only for my dad but also for all of us who loved him. Their kindness and support made a lasting impact on me and reinforced just how important hospice care is. Today, as an ambassador for Willen Hospice, I am more determined than ever to champion the hospice’s work. I am passionate about raising awareness of the essential services it provides and helping to secure the much-needed funds that enable it to continue caring for local families. It is a privilege to support an organisation that means so much to me, and I am proud to play a part in helping ensure its vital work can continue for generations to come.
Keith McLean
aMBASSADOR
I’m Keith and I’m married to Vicki. We have one daughter, Isla.
I have lived in the village of Emberton since 1990 and have fully participated in village events throughout that period; the adage being if you put effort into a community you will get much from it! I spent almost 50 years working in Information Technology, with roles in programming, systems analysis, project leadership, sales and latterly project management. For seven years I was Head of IT at Granada Television in Manchester.
The last three years of my life were spent as Executive Office Manager for Iain Stewart, MP for Milton Keynes South, ensuring that businesses, schools, voluntary organisations and charities received visits from their MP and supporting Iain in relation to some complex casework.
Since 2011 I have been a ward councillor at Milton Keynes Council and I was Mayor of Milton Keynes from May 2015 – May 2016. It was during this period that I gained a closer insight into Willen Hospice and I have continued to support the Hospice in many ways since then.
Using contacts made during my time working for Iain Stewart and as a Councillor, I have been able to support Willen Hospice with new initiatives and introductions.
Sport has been a major part of my life, with rugby union and tennis being the prime focus. Olney Rugby Football Club’s colours are Cerise and French Grey and many people recall me wearing my club blazer at many events during my Mayoral year! My other interests include travel and walking, usually with between one and three dogs!
Lynette Ryals
AMBASSADOR
I have been a volunteer Ambassador with Willen Hospice for almost 10 years.
My background is in marketing and sales so my speciality for the Hospice is selling raffle tickets by the bookload!
In my day job I am Chief Executive of MK:U, the proposed new technical university in Milton Keynes, and a Pro Vice Chancellor at Cranfield University.
I was awarded the OBE for services to higher education in 2019.
Jim Ballestry
AMBASSADOR
I’m originally from Mullingar in Ireland. I moved over to the UK in 1988.
I live in Newport Pagnell with my wife Jo , daughter Niamh and son Oran. I run a Cell Biology Lab in Cambridge that develops test models for cancer research.
I think Willen Hospice is fantastic. It does such great work in the community. I’m very proud to be one of its ambassadors.
Andrew Hodgson
AMBASSADOR
I retired in 2010 after working for 43 years for John Lewis and Partners. I was introduced to Willen Hospice almost immediately as my wife had cancer and I saw first hand what good work the Hospice did. By the end of 2011 I was an Ambassador for the Hospice, on the committee of the Friends of Willen and actively helping both the community and events teams.
I have had a great time helping at many events raising funds for the Hospice and made some very good friends!
Phil Parry
AMBASSADOR
I have been a supporter of Willen Hospice since the 1980’s, not long after it opened. I was so impressed by the level of care they gave, not only to the patients, but to their families. My background is in education. I have worked at all levels from schools through to universities. For the last thirty years I have run my own company, working in the professional sector both UK and internationally, providing training in communication and interpersonal skills. I now work on a part-time basis and able to give time to the Hospice, as well as being a Parish Councillor, school governor and Scout leader. Over the years I have seen the Hospice grow their level of services - including Hospice at Home - for the people of Milton Keynes and surrounding district. I am proud to be associated with the Hospice and really enjoy talking about what it does, the range of services and the wonderful care it provides.
Tracy Priest
AMBASSADOR
I have lived in the Milton Keynes area for more than 20 years, and currently work for RSM as a private client tax advisor.
I began my involvement with the Hospice as a volunteer in 2010 and became an Ambassador in 2018.
I am both proud and privileged to be involved with Willen Hospice.
Milton Keynes is so very fortunate to have such a fantastic and enthusiastic team at the Hospice delivering exceptional care and support to the community.
Eileen Sparrow
AMBASSADOR
I have volunteered for the Hospice for 10 years, working at the shop in Stony and then as an Ambassador. I also did training at the Hospice for Patient and Family Support. I also volunteer when needed in other areas as much as I can.
Before I retired I worked at the Milton Keynes Chamber of Commerce in events. I also worked at the Hospice for 5 years as Fundraising Manager.
I found working at the Hospice very rewarding and have the greatest respect for all the staff, doctors, nurses and all who work there, together with all the volunteers who help to bring in funds to keep this great much needed facility going.
Liz Sparham
AMBASSADOR
I have been volunteering for Willen Hospice for 13 years.
Originally on the committee of The Friends of Willen, where I was Chairman for 5 years. When the charity folded, I then helped fundraising and events, becoming an ambassador in 2024.
My husband, Eddie, who also volunteers, and I have 4 children, 11 grandchildren and 1 great grandson, so we are quite busy.
I love volunteering for the Hospice, you meet lots of lovely people, and I'm proud to be an Ambassador.