Age UK Isle of Wight has announced the sudden death of much-loved colleague and Trustee, Alan Thorne.
Alan joined the Age UK Isle of Wight Board of Trustees in 2019 having retired after 40 years’ service with the NHS. It was in the National Health Service that he held roles such as Director of Transformation and later went on to become Head of Hospital Inspections for the CQC, before then becoming an Executive Director for the Isle of Wight NHS Trust.
When Alan joined Age UK Isle of Wight he immediately added strength and depth to Board discussions drawing upon his considerable knowledge and experience of the health and social care sector. He intelligently probed the basis upon which decisions should be made, but in ways that were thoughtful, supportive and well-intentioned. In so doing, he gained the respect and admiration of his fellow Trustees, Age UK IW management and staff alike.
Alan’s enthusiasm for life was infectious and he never lost his sense of fun. He was happy to become involved in fundraising events and undertake Good Neighbour Scheme befriending to support the activities of the charity. In particular, his energy and planning skills were put to good effect by bringing together his 2 favourite charities on the Island – Care in the Garden and Age UK IW – to deliver Operation Geranium. He was currently engaged in project planning for this Spring’s initiative.
In April, he was about to assume the role of Chair of Trustees for Age UK IW.
Rachel McKernan, Chief Executive of Age UK Isle of Wight, has said:
“As much as we mourn his loss and will miss his contribution to Board deliberations, our first thoughts rest with his wife and family who have lost the centre of their world in such an unexpected manner. To them we express our heartfelt condolences at this desperately sad time”.
A spokesperson for the Isle of Wight NHS Trust has said:
“We were deeply saddened to hear of Alan’s passing. We were very privileged to have had Alan as a previous member of our NHS family and we will miss him greatly. Our thoughts are with his family and friends”.
