Dorset’s independent hospice charity, Lewis-Manning Hospice Care, has appointed leading business figure and long-standing supporter Paul Lester CBE as its new patron.
Paul has supported Lewis-Manning with fundraising and advice since 2020, assisting with auctions and stewardship events, mentoring members of the team, and introducing new people from his professional and personal networks to the charity. In 2023, Paul and his daughter Kate hosted a group of carers from the hospice for an afternoon on a boat in Poole Harbour, giving them valuable time away from their caring responsibilities.
Paul said, “Hospice care is a cause that means a great deal to me. Having seen members of my own family receive palliative care, I know the difference compassionate care can make, not only to the person living with illness but to everyone around them. Over the past six years, I have been inspired by the warmth, dedication, and ambition of the Lewis-Manning team. The charity provides an incredibly important service for people and families across Dorset, and I have been proud to support its work in whatever way I can. Becoming a patron feels like a natural next step. I look forward to continuing to champion Lewis-Manning, helping to open new doors, and introducing more people to a charity that deserves our community’s support.”
Paul brings extensive senior leadership and business experience to the role. He is Chairman of McCarthy & Stone, CC Infrastructure Services, and Praesidiad. His previous roles include Chief Executive of VT Group plc, Group Managing Director of Balfour Beatty plc, and Chief Executive of Graseby plc.
Paul is a Chartered Engineer and Fellow of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers. He became a Freeman of the City of London in 2006 and received a CBE for services to engineering in 2007.
Clare Gallie, Chief Executive of Lewis-Manning Hospice Care, said: “Paul has contributed far more than just his name to Lewis-Manning over an amazing six years of support. He has given his time, shared his incredible career experience, supported our events, and helped us build valuable new relationships. We are delighted to welcome Paul as a patron and look forward to continuing to work with him to raise awareness of hospice care and reach more people across Dorset.”
Lewis-Manning provides free, person-centred care to more than 1,200 people living with life-limiting illnesses and their families each year. Its teams support people at home, virtually, and through local hubs across Dorset, helping them live well through illness.
Only 12% of the charity’s funding comes from the NHS, meaning support from donors, fundraisers, businesses, and patrons remains vital to the future of its services.
