GOSH Charity welcomes new Chair of Trustees

Great Ormond Street Hospital Charity (GOSH Charity) is delighted to announce the appointment of Lee Rochford as its new Chair of Trustees.

Lee brings a wealth of board-level experience from the commercial and charity sectors to the role, having combined 35 years working in financial services with three not-for-profit roles, including nearly two decades on the board of a charitable social housing provider.

In May 2023, Lee took up the role of Governor and Chair of the Finance and Investment Committee at Nuffield Health - the UK's largest healthcare charity - and he was appointed Chair of Atom Bank, the UK’s first digital-only bank, in September 2023.

Prior to these positions, Lee worked for 18 years in a non-executive role for charitable social housing provider Metropolitan Housing Partnership. He has also worked as CEO for financial services company Arrow Global and for Virgin Money as Chief Financial Officer.

As the new Chair of Trustees, Lee will be at the heart of GOSH Charity’s mission to give seriously ill children the best chance and childhood possible and will work with the Board of Trustees and executive team to help steer the charity into its next strategic phase in 2026.

Since unveiling its current five-year strategy in 2021, GOSH Charity's income has nearly doubled and hit a record-high last year, enabling it to have an even greater impact on seriously ill children at Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH). It also unveiled its biggest-ever fundraising appeal – Build it. Beat it. - to help build a world-leading new Children's Cancer Centre at GOSH.

Lee will succeed outgoing Chair Anne Bulford CBE in October and will help guide GOSH Charity into the next stage of its mission to drive real change for seriously ill children.

Lee said: “I am absolutely delighted to be joining GOSH Charity, an organisation that is treasured by the public for the vital work it does to give seriously ill children the best childhood possible. GOSH Charity has gone from strength to strength in recent years and it is a privilege to be taking on this role at such a pivotal time.

“GOSH Charity’s achievements over the past few years have been incredible, but there is still so much more we need to do to ensure no childhood is lost to serious illness. I am looking forward to working with Chief Executive Louise Parkes and the Board of Trustees to explore how we can continue to push boundaries to give more children the chance of a brighter future.”

Louise Parkes, Chief Executive of GOSH Charity, said: “It's been an incredible, record-breaking year for GOSH Charity and we are delighted to welcome Lee to this important role as we move into the next stage of our exciting journey. Lee will bring a wealth of experience to the charity as well as energy and commitment to our mission to transform the lives of seriously ill children.

“I also want to say thank you to Anne for playing such a pivotal role over the past six years, her passion and dedication has helped shape GOSH Charity into the organisation it is today.”

-ENDS-  

About Great Ormond Street Hospital Charity (GOSH Charity)

Great Ormond Street Hospital Charity (GOSH Charity) stops at nothing to help give seriously ill children childhoods that are fuller, funner and longer. For the hundreds of children from all over the UK who are treated by Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH) every day, for children with rare or complex illnesses everywhere, for this generation and all those to come.

GOSH has been transforming the lives of seriously ill children since opening its doors in 1852 and has always depended on charitable support. GOSH Charity funds groundbreaking research into children’s health, cutting-edge medical equipment, child-centred medical facilities and the support services children and families going through the toughest journey of their lives urgently need.  But there is so much more we need to do.

Together with our supporters, we can give seriously ill children the best chance, and the best childhoods, possible. Because we believe no childhood should be lost to serious illness.

Join us, visit gosh.org today.