News

There’s a few more new faces here at the hospice and it’s time to get to know them. Say hello to our fab five!

Katherine Stanley – Trainee Advanced Clinical Practitioner

Katherine is the first of our new Trainee Advanced Clinical Practitioners here at Derian House. She previously worked at Alder Hey Children’s Hospital for six years in A&E, and always knew that she wanted to progress to an ACP role.

She’d previously done a placement at Derian way back when she was a student nurse, and absolutely loved the place. Many of the children she cared for at Alder Hey actually visit us for respite, so she’s looking forward to seeing them and expanding her knowledge by going back to uni and training for her new specialised role.

Katherine is particularly excited about meeting new people, working alongside our families and getting stuck in, as she isn’t one to stand around!

Outside of work, she’s a self-proclaimed nerd and is a big fan of Harry Potter, Dungeons and Dragons and sewing. Her ideal day out would be an escape room, so if you’re ever stuck in a room, let’s hope it’s with Katherine!

Ellie Smith – Community Fundraiser

Ellie has joined the Fundraising Team as our new Community Fundraiser. She previously studied in Events and has always had a passion for planning, so is looking forward to getting involved with all the exciting things the team have planned for the foreseeable future.

Prior to her new role, Ellie worked at Preston Hospital for three years where she managed the clinical oncologists’ rotas, and went for the job at Derian House as she wanted to focus on something that would be more rewarding. She’s always known about Derian due to being a Chorley girl herself, and in previous years has visited our open days, galas and Winter Sparkle events.

In her spare time, Ellie loves spending time with Pippa the Dalmatian (who is very, very cute), and has recently taken up camping thanks to the abroad holiday restrictions, something she has since discovered she absolutely loves! She’s also an adrenaline junkie and has been known to take on numerous wild activities including a sky dive, a walk up the Big One at Blackpool Pleasure Beach, and coming up soon… a sky dine!

Rebecca Hendrickson – Registered Nurse

Rebecca is the first of our two new nurses who recently graduated from the ground-breaking Julie Atherton Scholarship scheme. She previously did a placement at Derian House from December 2019 – January 2020, and is really excited about learning new skills and building relationships with our children and families.

After completing her Masters degree in children’s nursing, Rebecca worked in a respite setting where she cared for children and young people, and jumped at the chance to do the scholarship with Derian House.

She’s mostly looking forward to working with children who all have individual needs, building relationships and enjoying the continuity of seeing them again when they visit us throughout the year.

Outside of work, Rebecca enjoys walks with her three-year-old girl Mila and exploring new places with her family.

Karen Standish – Registered Nurse

Karen previously worked at a special needs school for 12 years before also going back to school and becoming the first scholar of the Julie Atherton Nursing Scholarship here at Derian House in January 2019.

Despite always wanting to go into children’s nursing, a range of things prevented Karen from doing so, such as finances and her busy lifestyle! When the scholarship came up, Karen took the plunge, left her job and decided to do something for her.

She’s always known about Derian as she’s followed us on Facebook for as long as she can remember, and children that she looked after at school visited us for respite. Karen is also interested in the fundraising side of things, and even helped out at the last Winter Sparkle event.

Karen is Mum to Lucy (aged 13) and Jake (aged 9), and when she’s not at work enjoys many a day out with family and friends making memories.

Ian Fairhurst – Estates Support

Ex-navy officer Ian has joined the Estates Team after a few years of working in schools and pupil referral units. After becoming a semi-professional swimmer at the age of 20, Ian joined the navy, where he worked for 10 years before having to bow out due to injury.

After coming back up north and doing numerous jobs, Ian decided it was time for a different challenge, and in particular one in which he could give something back. He’s looking forward to meeting everyone and being hands on in his work here at Derian House.

When he’s not at work, Ian is either working out at the gym or swimming! He’s also Dad to five boys, a cockapoo and a springer spaniel, and interestingly won Sports Personality of the Navy in 2006!