Hayley Richardson has been appointed as the new director of fundraising and marketing at Sittingbourne-based Demelza Hospice Care for Children.

Hayley, 37, from Maidstone started her career in fundraising more than 12 years ago as a community fundraiser at Demelza.

She returned in 2018 as head of community and events after roles at the Cystic Fibrosis Trust and Great Ormond Street Hospital Children’s Charity. She was promoted to deputy director of fundraising two years ago.

She said: “I am delighted to be appointed as the new director of fundraising and marketing for a charity that I am so passionate about.

"This comes at a time when our fundraising has been hugely impacted by Covid-19. The families we care for, need us more than ever. While these are challenging times, Demelza will continue to be here for them.”

Her initial focus will be on preparing the charity’s three-year strategy and concentrating on the post-pandemic recovery of income.

Demelza provides specialist care services to more than 750 children and young people with serious or terminal conditions and their families throughout Kent, South East London and East Sussex at hospices in Eltham and Sittingbourne and in the community.

Read more: All the latest news from Sittingbourne