Executive committee

Officers

President

Sandy Boyce-Sharpe

After a lifetime of running my businesses, my husband and I (now retired) have lived in Eastbourne approx. 18 years and enjoy the close proximity of the Downs and the sea. I was invited to become a Trustee very soon after moving here and also served as a Governor at the Eastbourne Academy for over 10 years. I was Chairman of the Friends of the Hampden Park for some 13+ years and am still involved in community affairs running the Ratton Area Neighbourhood Panel, bringing residents issues before the appropriate authorities.

Chairman

Harry Walmsley

I was a consultant in Eastbourne for 27 years prior to my retirement in 2015. I became a Trustee of the Friends the year before but on retirement I was appointed Chair of the Friends, a role I have continued to fulfil since then.

Vice Chairman

Hugh Parker

I have been involved with the DGH since it was built, as a patient, a father, a husband, a brother and a son. All members of my family have received great care and attention from the hospital. As gratitude I was eager to help when my employer agreed, in the 1980s, I could help with setting up the Friends summer fairs which I did for many years. I was then asked if I would become a Trustee some 20 years ago and jumped at the chance to give back. I have had a special interest in the annual fund raising Art Exhibition for the last 17 years. Living in Eastbourne and district all my life, working here for 42 years and as a Borough Councillor I have come to know the importance of the hospital and its services to the community.

Treasurer

Peter Skilbeck

After 50 years in practice as an accountant, about 35 of them in Eastbourne, I retired and picked up the reins of the treasurership of the Friends. This now enjoyably interferes with my badminton, woodworking, playing classical guitar, family history research - and natural inertia!

Office

Office Manager

Sue Duffell

After a 30 year career in a major bank I moved into the voluntary sector, organising training for voluntary groups at Eastbourne Association of Voluntary Services. This came to an end when the organisation merged with a similar one in Lewes and I started volunteering for the Friends. One thing led to another and I am now the office manager and love the involvement with such a great team.

Fundraising & PR

Amy Williams

I joined the Friends’ Office in 2021, having previously been involved in communications and fundraising for charities including NCT and Overcoming Multiple Sclerosis. Despite several years working abroad, I am originally from Eastbourne and am delighted now to be back, working within such a great team to support the DGH.

Trustees

Ann Caffyn

Before getting married and moving to Eastbourne I trained to be a nurse at a London Hospital and then joined the FoEH, after my three children went to school, as a member of the Open Gardens Team.

Rosemary Cameron

I am a retired nurse, and have wide experience of the NHS and private sector, both as an employee and patient. I live in Eastbourne and joined the Friends of the Eastbourne Hospital in 2008, going on to become a Trustee. I am mainly involved in fundraising, and enjoy being part of a thriving group of volunteers.

Richard Grace

I was appointed as a Consultant Haematologist in 1993 and have worked since then predominantly at Eastbourne. Over the years the Haematology department and our patients have been fortunate enough to benefit from the financial assistance provided by the Friends. I hope as a Trustee to be able to contribute to the ongoing invaluable work provided by the Friends.

Terry Henson

Following a career in teaching and Arts Education Management, I now divide my time working for the Towner Gallery offering Art Store tours and supporting the Open Ended Dementia programme and as a part-time Marriage Registrar for East Sussex. In the summer, I also work as a House Guide at Farley Farm in Chiddingly.

Cathy Lock

I am married with five children and have lived in Eastbourne for over 30 years. Before I retired I worked in the finance sector in London.

James Wilkinson

James Wilkinson is a respiratory consultant at the DGH.

Glendon Stone

I have lived in this area for the whole of my life, having been brought up in Seaford and moving to Eastbourne in 1983 when I joined a local law firm. I am a retired Solicitor and for many years served as Honorary Solicitor for the Friends. I stood down from that role upon my retirement but accepted an offer to become a Trustee.

Elaine Higgins

I trained in DGH in 1985, then in 1989 I left to travel abroad as a children’s nurse. On return to England I worked in the Hoylake Cottage Hospital on the Wirral. In 1997 I moved to Surrey. I then worked for Surrey and Borders as a Team Leader and I stayed in this position until I retired. I moved to Oman and Italy for a few years until my husband retired, and I now live between Herstmonceux and Pevensey where I met Angie who informed me about FOEH. I am very happy to be accepted as a Trustee to work with you all.

Denise Rowe

Before retiring I ran Conference 2k Ltd, an International medical conference company. I hope my experiences will help the friends of Eastbourne Hospital. I still enjoy travel and spending time with my 8 grandchildren

Angie Jarvis

I am a Registered Nurse, recently retired from ESHT. I commenced with the trust in 1990, working in EDGH main theatres for 15 years, then moved into education in 2005 where I’ve spent the last 20 years supporting clinical development of registered and unregistered staff and students. I am keen to continue to support EDGH following my retirement.