A charity boss is stepping down from her position after five years in the role.

Claire Cardy, chief executive of Northfleet-based hospice ellenor, will leave her position at the end of March to embark on a “period of travel and new challenges”.

During her time she successfully rebranded the organisation and guided it to receive an “outstanding” rating from the Care Quality Commission, as well as being named Kent Charity of the Year.

Claire says she is proud of what has been achieved during her time.

She said: “After a busy five years as chief executive of this remarkable charity, I feel that now is the right time to move on and allow others the opportunity to lead ellenor in the next stage of its development, as we enter the second year of our new five-year strategic plan. I am incredibly proud of what has been achieved and feel privileged to have worked and met so many remarkable people.”