It is with great sadness that we announce the death of David H Thompson OBE, former Chair of John Grooms Charity and board member of John Grooms Housing Association (JGHA).
David was a remarkable man who made a unique contribution to both JGHA and John Grooms. He joined the Board of JGHA in 1986 and became Chair of the Charity the following year, a position he held until the merger with the Shaftesbury Society in 2005. As a wheelchair user and working solicitor David brought a range of insight and skills to both organisations.
During David’s tenure, John Grooms rose from 214th in the fundraising league tables to 123rd, with voluntary income increasing from £1m to £5m, and he was awarded an OBE for his services to the charity. His innovative approach led to the completion of three new state of the art residential and nursing homes along with a cutting edge brain injury centre in Suffolk. He also presided over the most successful capital appeal delivered by the charity which raised £8m for new developments and accessible housing.
David was incredibly passionate about disability issues and deeply committed to fighting for a better deal for disabled people and their families. He made an enormous contribution to both John Grooms service users and disabled people generally during his time with the housing association and charity and he will be very sorely missed.
A Service of Thanksgiving will take place at noon on 18th October in All Saints, Woodford Wells – 4 Inmans Row, Woodford Green, Essex. IG8 ONH.
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