Meet our new Partnership Development Lead

We’re excited to introduce you to Joanne Lees, who is our new Partnership Development Lead at Willow Wood Hospice.

Born and bred in Ashton-under-Lyne, mum-of-three Joanne feels like she has “come home” and is fulfilling a long-standing ambition to make a difference working for a charity.

Her family have always supported charities since her eldest son Andrew, 38, was diagnosed with neuroblastoma at 22 months old.

As well as working for public services such as Tameside Council and Derby NHS Primary Care Team, Joanne has a vast array of experience working for corporate businesses – from Russell Hobbs to JD Sports and Sofology, part of the DFS Group.

As she begins a new chapter at the Hospice, Joanne is keen for every business in Tameside and Glossop to know all about Willow Wood, the extent of the services we provide, and our need to raise at least £3.3 million every year to continue operating.

She’s formulating exciting opportunities for businesses of all sizes to partner with the Hospice, for the benefit of both organisations.

“We’re developing packages for businesses which I think will be amazing,” she explained. “When you’re a busy business and you want to help a charity, you haven’t always got time to fundraise so our flexible packages will be ideal. No matter what size a business is, they will be able to participate.

“Away from the corporate model, if businesses just want to turn up to our network meetings and participate in that or pick the Hospice as their Charity of Choice, that’s fine as our packages are tailored towards what they want to do.

“We’re looking to introduce packages for our corporate volunteering offer too, so that we can maximise the benefits for both the Hospice and businesses.

“Each business tends to have at least one person who is the driving force behind supporting charities and I want Willow Wood to be at the forefront of their minds.”

If your business would like to partner with the Hospice, Joanne will be happy to provide you with more information – just drop her a line at joanne.lees@willowwood.org.uk or call 0161 330 7788.

We’re excited to see the connections she will develop.