Peter Wood - Company Secretary

With both my mother and my sister dying from cancer, the idea of a Hospice for Tameside and Glossop gave me the opportunity to repay the loving care and kindness they had received in their closing years.

As a retired MD and qualified accountant I was welcomed with open arms. We formed a steering group, and subsequently a limited company; I became Company Secretary and Director - a post I have held for more than ten years.

I make no excuses for my reputation as the "Scrooge" of Willow Wood. I believe that if someone runs a marathon they do not do it to provide us with a state of the art computer or other admin goodies. If it is for direct patient care I am OK, if not I need to be convinced as to the relevant benefit to our overall plan.

I try to lead from the front, and take an active part in many of our fundraising activities. I have run four marathons, jumped out of an aeroplane and walked on red hot coals, resulting in several thousand pounds of much needed funds.

Despite the nature of our work Willow Wood is a happy place to be. I am here most days and never fail to be impressed by the dedication and loving care given by our nursing and support staff. Nobody wants to come to Willow Wood - you don't choose, you are chosen. If you are chosen you could not come to a better place. I am proud and honoured to be part of such a wonderful undertaking.