Our Ambassadors
At Rotherham Hospice
Our ambassadors are proud champions of Rotherham Hospice.
They help us raise awareness, inspire fundraising and keep hospice care firmly in the heart of our community. Each brings their own story, experience and passion — but they all share one goal: ensuring we can continue adding more life to every day for local families.
John Breckin
Rotherham Hospice Ambassador
Rotherham United FC legend John Breckin has supported the hospice for many years.
After losing his wife at the hospice in 2006, John and his family experienced first-hand the care we provide. His daughter also attended our Sunbeams bereavement support group.
Since then, John has given his time and energy to support events including Midnight Memory Walk, Red Glove Day at AESSEAL New York Stadium and his annual charity cricket match at Wickersley Old Village Cricket Club.
Officially appointed as an ambassador in recognition of his longstanding commitment, John continues to be a visible and passionate voice for hospice care across Rotherham.
Phil Smith
Rotherham Hospice Ambassador
Phil became an ambassador because he believes palliative care is one of the most important services in society — not just for the person receiving care, but for the families around them.
Having had three family members cared for by the hospice over the last 20 years, Phil has seen the difference our team makes during the most difficult times.
His goal as an ambassador is simple: raise “bag loads of money” and make sure hospice care continues to be there for local families.
Jamie Sharp
Rotherham Hospice Ambassador
Jamie has supported Rotherham Hospice for many years through business connections and community involvement.
After learning more about the impact of hospice care, he continued his support and was proud to step into the ambassador role.
Jamie is passionate about involving younger people in understanding what hospice care means — from apprentices supporting projects like Meadow of Memories to helping generate revenue and wider media exposure through his business network.
Scott Thorpe
Rotherham Hospice Ambassador
A proud Rotherham lad, Scott’s role as ambassador is rooted in giving back to the community.
Through his business and local connections, he is passionate about raising both funds and awareness — helping other businesses understand how they can support the hospice and make a difference.
For Scott, the hospice means everything to the town, and he is committed to supporting it day in, day out.
Allie Dransfield
Rotherham Hospice Ambassador
Allie Dransfield is Head of Agency at Chapter II, bringing over 20 years of experience in PR, marketing and communications.
Born and raised in Rotherham, Allie has supported Rotherham Hospice from a young age — fundraising as a dancer, backing the hospice lottery through her family, and more recently witnessing first-hand the outstanding end of life care provided to her best friend’s mum.
As an Ambassador, Allie is passionate about using her voice and communications expertise to raise awareness, inspire fundraising and champion the hospice across the business and wider community — helping to add more life to every day for local families facing terminal illness.
Matt Hamshaw
Trustee
Karlie is currently Associate Director of Communications at Chesterfield Royal Hospital NHS Foundation Trust. She has worked in the NHS and across Local Authorities for 20 years, and before that within private consultancies.
Karlie has worked in operations – managing a team of over 3,000 and a budget of £30m; in transformation and running a programme management office delivering savings against significant financial challenges. Her true passion is communications and engagement and Karlie has a first class degree in Public Relations.
She is a Sheffield girl and has family roots into Rotherham. Karlie enjoys being active, listening to audiobooks, making a real difference to people and focusing on action. She has two small children, six chickens and a cockerel called Jonathan!
How can you help?
There are many ways you can support us, whether it be through holding an event, playing in our lottery, volunteering, or donating!
