National children’s charity leader retires

A Horsham man has retired after 20 years of leading a national children’s charity.
Andrew RossAndrew Ross
Andrew Ross

Andrew Ross, of Mannings Heath, spent his last day as chief executive of The Children’s Trust on Friday April 12.

In a fond farewell party at the Trust in Tadworth, Surrey, Mr Ross was joined by members of staff, volunteers and his wife, Alison and children, Amelia and William.

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The 67-year-old said: “I am so pleased that my family can be here today, to mark this occasion. They have always been extremely supportive and in fact it was my wife, Alison who encouraged me to go for the job.”

Mr Ross has been chief executive of the trust since 1992, overseeing developments in new services, which includes the UK’s largest residential rehab centre for children with an acquired brain injury, specialist care for some of the UK’s most severely disabled children and a specialist school.

During his time at the trust, it has seen a growth in income from £4million to more than £22million.

Addressing staff and volunteers, he said: “My final message to everybody at The Children’s Trust is to carry on cherishing and living out the trust’s values, carry on being caring and supportive, child and family focused.

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“Thank you all for the support you have given to me in my twenty year career. Thank you for countless memories that I shall take with me.”

Andrew retirement plans include spending time in his garden, fly fishing and some consultancy or project management.

Dalton Leong, new chief executive said he is honoured to be following in the footsteps of Andrew, adding: “Everything I have observed during the handover period is great credit to the strong team. Andrew has built truly amazing foundations over the last 20 years.

“I am honoured to be given the opportunity to lead this next stage of our growth and development”