New leadership at Willen Hospice: local charity pioneer takes the reins

Posted 17th August 2024

In an exciting development for the Milton Keynes community, Willen Hospice has announced Rachel Medill as their newly appointed Chair of Trustees.

Rachel spent the majority of her early career as a director in marketing and communications in London. However, driven by a desire for more meaningful work, she transitioned into the charity sector. Over the past 20 years, Rachel has held various leadership positions across local, regional, and national levels. Yet, her unwavering commitment has always been to her local community in Milton Keynes.

This dedication led Rachel to establish Ride High, a charity that harnesses the power of horses to transform the lives of some of the most disadvantaged and troubled children in the area. As Chief Executive, Rachel was instrumental in securing the charity’s 37-acre site at Loughton Manor, which now serves as a safe haven for around 120 vulnerable young people each week.

An avid horsewoman herself, Rachel resides in Aspley Guise with her husband, Alan. She steps into the role following the tenure of outgoing Chair Paul Davis, who has served the Hospice with distinction for the past eight years.

“At some point in our lives, we all experience the profound pain of losing someone we love,” Rachel reflected. “Willen Hospice offers patients, and their loved ones, dignity and compassionate care when they need it most. To be part of this extraordinary charity, rooted in my own community, is a privilege I’m immensely proud of.”

Willen Hospice’s Chief Executive, Kate Broadhurst, expressed her enthusiasm for Rachel’s appointment: “We are absolutely delighted to welcome Rachel to our trustee team. Her extensive business acumen, coupled with her deep-rooted experience in the local charity sector, makes her an invaluable addition. As we continue our ongoing battle for fairer funding, Rachel’s leadership will be crucial in ensuring that we can keep providing the essential, free specialist care and support that our community relies on.”

Kate also extended her gratitude to Paul Davis: “On behalf of everyone at the Hospice, I’d like to express our heartfelt thanks to Paul for his unwavering dedication. His leadership has been instrumental in guiding us through numerous challenges and changes over the last eight years, and he will be greatly missed.”