Martin House welcomes new Chair of Trustees as long-serving board members retire

Martin House Children’s Hospice has announced changes to its Board of Trustees, as three long-serving trustees step down following decades of service to the charity. 

Tim Halstead, Mike Millington and Stephen Plews have all retired from the board, having helped guide the hospice through a significant period in its history, including the completion of THE BUILD – Martin House’s £21.9m redevelopment project designed to safeguard the future of children’s palliative care across Yorkshire. 

Tim Halstead steps down after 13 years as a trustee, including the last eight as Chair of the Board. 

Reflecting on his time with Martin House, Tim said: “It has been an immense privilege and simply one of the best things I have ever done. Martin House is a safe haven for families of children with life-shortening conditions, yet it’s also a joyous place, run with clinical expertise, care and compassion. I shall continue to support Martin House from a few steps further back.” 

Mike Millington also served for 13 years, while Stephen Plews spent 20 years as a trustee and acted as the trustee representative on the BUILD board. 

Mike said: “It’s been an honour to support Martin House. I have learned so much, and continue to be amazed by the dedication and passion of the wider hospice team, delivering world class care and support to the families across Yorkshire.” 

Stephen added: “To see this ambitious project come to fruition is fabulous. Everyone involved should be so proud. I will continue to support Martin House going forward in whatever way I am able. Thank you to the trustee board, the senior leadership team and all our wonderful people for making my time spent with Martin House so enjoyable and memorable.” 

Martin House has confirmed that Tim Straughan has become the hospice’s new Chair of Trustees. 

Tim joined the board in 2017 and previously chaired the Finance and Resources Committee. Prior to retiring, he spent eight years working for the NHS, most recently as Group Director of Primary Care and Community Services. 

The hospice has also welcomed Mat Rayner as a new trustee. Mat brings more than 25 years of experience in financial services, specialising in strategy, risk and leadership. 

Clair Holdsworth, Chief Executive at Martin House, said: “We are incredibly grateful to Tim, Mike and Stephen for their many years of dedication, support and leadership at Martin House.” 

“They have each played an important role in helping shape the hospice into what it is today, including supporting us through one of the most ambitious projects in our history.” 

“We are also delighted to welcome Tim Straughan as our new Chair of Trustees, alongside Mat Rayner as a new trustee. Their experience and insight will be invaluable as we continue to develop our services and support even more families across Yorkshire.” 

Each year, Martin House supports more than 550 children and young people with life-shortening conditions, and their families, across West, North and East Yorkshire. 

For more information on how you can support Martin House, visit our Get Involved page.