Haven House Children’s Hospice has welcomed its new chairman.

Frances Daley, a chartered accountant and group finance director of Lifeways – which provides support to adults with learning difficulties – has been appointed chairman of the hospice in High Road, Woodford Green.

She said: “I was really impressed with the hospice’s holistic approach to the whole family and the support given to parents and siblings as well as the unwell child.”

Frances will take over from Woodford Green resident Ian Sparks, who had been in the role for the past seven years.

Mike Palfreman, chief executive of the charity, said: “I’d like to take this opportunity to say thank you to Ian Sparks for the phenomenal job he has done at the hospice over the past few years. His work here has been invaluable to local life-limited children and families.”