The boss of a children’s charity says she “wouldn’t choose any other job” after celebrating 25 years with the organisation.

Lavinia Jarrett, known as Vin, joined Demelza as administration and personnel manager in 1999, a year after the main hospice opened in Rook Lane, Sittingbourne.

She became the chief executive in February 2022, holding the interim post for the previous 10 months and launching the charity’s five-year strategy.

Vin says she feels nothing but pride and triumph to have reached the milestone of working for something she feels so passionately about.

In two-and-a-half decades she has seen many changes at Demelza, including the opening of the hospice in Eltham and a hub in East Sussex.

One of the key challenges is the same now as when she joined.

“The long-standing issue for all hospices is the lack of sustainable funding for the vital services we provide,” Vin explained.

“These services are not just nice to have, they are genuinely essential. Many families describe Demelza as their lifeline, the only place they get any help.

“Demelza relieves pressure on the wider health and social care sector, we prevent A&E admissions, facilitate early discharge from hospital, support end-of-life care outside the hospital – providing choice for families.

“There is so much that Demelza does and as long as I am CEO I will continue campaigning for fair funding for children’s palliative care.

“But I do also want to stress that I don’t ask for, and nor do I want, Demelza to be fully funded.

“We are deeply linked to the wonderful communities we serve.

“People feel part of Demelza and we are proud of that and it’s how we want it to stay.”

Before joining the charity she worked in primary care, developing outreach services in the community and tailored healthcare resources for NHS Trusts and providers.

Reflecting on her time at Demelza, Vin doesn’t regret anything but feels a huge sense of pride to have been part of and overseeing some big decisions.

She added: “There have been changes in the needs of our families and significant progress in how we treat different conditions, and we have learnt all we can from every opportunity.

“Our children and families have taught us so much – they are our inspiration and the reason I wouldn’t choose any other job.

“Demelza is a wonderful organisation and we have got a fantastic workforce.

“I’d like to thank all of our staff and volunteers and the families who trust us to help provide care for the children they love.

“They are the people who are inspirational and incredibly humbling. I feel really proud to be marking 25 years here.”