AFTER starting the Gloucestershire Charity James Hopkins Trust with his wife Heather, Vance Hopkins has announced he is retiring.

The charity was created 25 years ago as a lasting tribute to their son James who tragically died at 20 months.

Their simple yet inspired vision was to help Gloucestershire parents care for their life limited, life threatened and severely disabled young children at home.

Vance has worked tirelessly to ensure families all over Gloucestershire have benefitted from free nursing respite, he has overseen the fundraising, design and construction of Kites Corner – a purpose built multisensory respite centre and gardens, based in Gloucester.

Vance and Heather’s wish was to create a home from home environment where children would enjoy spending time with their nurses or their families.

The final piece of the jigsaw in Vance and Heather’s dream was to ensure that no child would ever have to be admitted to hospital just to allow their exhausted parents to have overnight nursing respite from the responsibility of caring for a child with complex nursing needs.

Their dream was realised in September 2014 when enough money had been raised to start building a four beded extension at Kites Corner.

Vance and Heather can enjoy their retirement in peace knowing that born out of love for James they have fulfilled their wish and helped hundreds of families all over Gloucestershire.

This has all been done through the support Vance has inspired in the local and business communities in Gloucestershire.

Vance will be handing over the day to day charity management to Jo Page and Sarah James.

Vance Hopkins said “As this new chapter begins, we feel it is the right time to take a step back and for Heather and myself to enjoy our long awaited retirement together. I am confident that the Trust is in a strong position both financially and strategically in order for me to do so, reassured in the fact that I am handing over the day-to-day management and operation of the Charity to Jo & Sarah.”

Jo will be Head of Operations.

Jo has worked for James Hopkins Trust and Vance for 10 years; Jo’s vast experience and strong business skills gained from senior management roles in banking will see James Hopkins Trust in Safe hands.

Sarah will be Head of Fundraising, having experienced the support that James Hopkins Trust offer first hand along with her sales background makes a perfect blend of passion and drive to take James Hopkins Trust onto its next chapter.