Dr Hilary Cass OBE

If one were to pen a portrait of the perfect chair, Dr Hilary Cass would be it. Enormously bright, insightful, passionate, accessible, and open to challenge, with an abundance of humility, bottomless patience and a fabulous sense of humour. Hilary is not one to court the spotlight – indeed, she would be mortified by this introductory paragraph. But we can think of no more a fitting candidate for recognition as Chair of the Year. Over her four-year tenure as Chair, Hilary has been singularly focused on improving the lives of families caring for children with life-limiting conditions, putting them at the centre of everything. She has steered the charity through good and challenging times, with compassion and a strong belief in making sure every seriously ill child and family can make the most of every moment. Not least, Hilary’s leadership throughout the pandemic has been outstanding, supporting and empowering the team to respond at pace to the needs of families caring for vulnerable children, who were frightened and isolated. Hilary is a stellar Chair, and great fun to work with. As she stands down later this year, help us say a fitting farewell, by making Hilary Chair of the Year.