Our team

Michelle Cox

Cliff Hughes

Cliff and his wife Rita have worked for St Catherine’s since 1982 when their first task was raising the funds needed to open the hospice. Initially chairman of the buildings sub-committee, Cliff negotiated the purchase of Lostock Hall Convalescence Hospital from the NHS – a major milestone in the development of the charity.

He became chairman of the board in 1989 and remained in post until 2018, when he was made President.

A building services engineer by profession, during his time as chairman he steered the charity through countless developments and changes, including major renovations and improvements to the site in Lostock Hall; the launch of new and enhanced clinical services; and the introduction of exciting fundraising events and campaigns, including the launch of the first hospice lottery in the country.

He was also one of the instigators of a North West Hospices group encouraging greater collaboration between hospice charities working across the region.

Lorraine Norris

Lorraine is the former Chief Executive of Preston Council – where she served for nine years – and has had a varied career, primarily in the public sector. She worked as a social worker for Bolton Metropolitan Council and later qualified as a solicitor in private practice before returning to the public sector in Salford, specialising in public child care law. She had a successful senior management career in Local Government for more than 20 years, and has considerable experience of managing a large public service led organisation.

She worked co-operatively with other Local Authorities; the Lancashire Enterprise Partnership; Royal Preston Hospital and the Greater Preston CCG. She has a strong track record of delivering projects with the private sector. She was the Chief Executive lead in the combined authority discussions.

She served as a representative of Lancashire Chief Executives on the Lancashire Health and Well Being Board, the Lancashire Safeguarding Children Board and the Central Lancashire Health and Well Being Partnership.

Lorraine sits on the hospice’s Knowledge Exchange; People, EDI & Governance; and Finance & Audit committees, is also a trustee of the University of Central Lancashire.

She said: “Like most people I have personal experience of people close to me who needed end of life care and the services St Catherine’s offers. I think St Catherine’s sits at the heart of our community and it is a privilege to make a contribution.”

Peter Franks

Peter Franks has more than 44 years’ business experience in many roles within the food retail sector, starting his career as a van salesman for Unigate Foods. His last 16 years were as Managing Director of Dr. Oetker (UK) Limited; he launched the business in the UK in 2002, building a multi-million pound, brandleading company, employing over 500 people at two sites in Leeds and Leyland.

Peter oversaw a ten year re-development of the Leyland site, upgrading and refurbishing the total site. He was responsible for sales, marketing, category management in Leeds; and manufacturing at the Leyland site. He was also responsible for the business development in the Republic of Ireland and served on several strategic international boards.

Since his retirement, he has been spending more time with his family and enjoys walking and cycling; he is a keen Blackpool FC fan and has a passion for all types of music.

He said: “I was delighted and proud to be asked to join the St Catherine’s team; I am aware of the importance of the hospice to the Central Lancashire community and the amazing work of the staff and volunteers there.  I hope I can utilise my business experience to make a difference and add value enabling St Catherine’s to carry on serving the community into the future so positively.”

Peter sits on the hospice’s Income & Business, and Communications & Engagement committees.

Michael Lough

Michael is co-owner and Managing Director of Preston-based digital marketing and software agency, Blue Wren. For more than 15 years Michael has worked in marketing and management consultancy; advising and supporting business, the public sector and NGOs in marketing communications.

Originally from Adelaide, Australia, Michael is a passionate sportsman with a distinguished rugby career behind him.  Married with two daughters, Michael is proud to live and work in Preston – although when it comes to sport, he still cheers for Australia.

Michael was delighted to be asked to join St Catherine’s Board of Trustees and hopes to make a valuable contribution, particularly in the area of digital marketing and communications. His mother-in-law, a St Catherine’s Volunteer of more than 10 years, continues to make sure he does!

He sits on the hospice’s Income & Business, and IT Data committees.

Tim Frier

Tim Frier, Head of Communications at Star Academies, sits on the hospice’s Income & Business, and Communications & Engagement committees. One of his key focuses is offering insight and advice on the direction and delivery of the organisation’s communications strategy.

Tim has more than 15 years’ experience in marketing and communications across a range of sectors, including housing and education.

A chartered marketer and UCLan journalism graduate, Tim is excited to serve on the board at such an important time in the development of the charity’s marketing and communications activities.

Tim said: “St Catherine’s plays such an important role in the Central Lancashire community by providing invaluable care. It can only do so thanks to the generosity of its wonderful supporters, and I am proud to be part of the dedicated team which really makes a difference to local people.

“Marketing and communications are fundamental to any organisation’s success, but particularly for a charity which is so dependent on its strong reputation and ongoing public support. It is an exciting time for St Catherine’s as they work to deliver their ambitious communications and engagement strategy, and I am pleased to work with them to maximise its potential to deliver the best outcomes for the charity and the people it serves.”

Dr David Shakespeare

Dr Shakespeare is a Consultant in Neurological Rehabilitation Medicine at Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, where he works with the specialist in-patient rehabilitation team and also provides outpatient care for patients with some disabling neurological conditions.

He has worked closely with St Catherine’s to support patients with disabling neurological conditions over the years, and also provides training for palliative medicine registrars undertaking training in neuropalliative rehabilitation. Dr Shakespeare sits on the Patient Care, and IT Data committees at the hospice.

He has experience in a number of clinical leadership roles within the health economy and is enthusiastic about continued education and research.