The Martlets is searching for a new chairman after Michael Edwards said that he would step down from the charity’s board this month at the end of his three-year term.
Mr Edwards, 61, who spent most of his career with American Express, praised the staff and volunteers as well as his fellow trustees.
In turn, Martlets chief executive Imelda Glackin thanked Mr Edwards for his guidance and support, energy and commitment over the past three years.
After almost 25 years with Amex, Mr Edwards became chief executive of Albion in the Community, the charity run by Brighton and Hove Albion.
He also served as a board member of Brighton and Sussex University Hospitals NHS Trust, which runs the Royal Sussex County Hospital, the Royal Alexandra Children’s Hospital and the Sussex Eye Hospital.
Mr Edwards said in a farewell note to staff and volunteers at the hospice: “I have derived such satisfaction from working with the staff, volunteers and fellow trustees at the Martlets in supporting the essential work that takes place at the hospice and in the community and have gained a tremendous appreciation of the work of hospices generally.
“It has been a wholly positive and valuable experience.
“Over the last two years we have been fortunate to appoint an excellent CEO, experienced individuals to the positions of finance director and head of income generation, as well as five very enthusiastic trustees who, along with the rest of the leadership team and board, are committed to ensuring the Martlets continues to deliver its unique blend of high-quality services and life-changing hospice care to the people of Brighton and Hove.
“The high regard in which the work of the Martlets is held by the local community and the willingness of individuals to volunteer and raise much-needed funding has been a constant source of inspiration during my time in post.
“I would like to wish Martlets, its staff and many supporters every success in the future.”
Imelda Glackin said: “Michael has brought a wealth of skills and expertise to the role of chairman of the Martlets.
“He has offered support and guidance to me in my role as CEO and provided structure and an enhanced focus on governance to the board of trustees, which has been widely appreciated.
“I am extremely grateful for his energy and commitment during his term as chair and on behalf of the leadership team, I would like to wish Michael every success in the future.”
The Martlets board has set up a committee led by trustee Christine d’Cruz to recruit a new chairman.
In the meantime, Kevin Smyth, the long-serving honorary secretary to the board, has stepped in as interim chairman.
While the Martlets is best-known for its hospice in Wayfield Avenue, Hove, most of its terminally ill patients are now cared for in their own home.
The hospice costs £5.4 million a year to run but it receives less than a third of its funding from the NHS. It relies on fundraising through events like the Martlets Midnight Walk to bring in almost £4 million a year.
