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Page 14 September 2025 AD SALES 01204 478812 FAMILIES got together in West- houghton Central Park to enjoy some summer holiday fun. The Family Fun Day was organised by Play and Youth services Bolton and funded by Westhoughton Town Council. Activities included music, arts and craft, a cooking demonstration, archery and dancing as well as a ‘rep- tiles corner’. The town’s deputy mayor Sarita Chohan and her consort Rish Chohan went along to join in the fun. She said: “It was a family fun event which brought somany people together.” DERIAN House Children’s Hos - pice in Chorley has appointed a new chair of its board of trustees. Paul Morton has taken on the top job and plans to ensure the charity continues to become the gold stand- ard for children’s hos- pice care, setting the benchmark for others across the UK. Derian’s previous chair of trustees Karen Swindley has retired from her position after nine years’ service. Under her watchful eye, Derian House earned a rating of Out- standing from the Care Quality Commission (CQC), had a £1.7mil- lion refurbishment, and introduced free holidays for families. Paul says he aims to build on the “great work already done”. He joins Derian following a career as a global healthcare leader spanning four decades. He has worked at the highest level at some of the biggest private healthcare and medical technology companies across the world. In his free time, the dad of three grown up children, who lives with his wife Nicky in Euxton, also fosters guide dogs, is a mem- ber of Euxton Parish Council, and serves as a magistrate at Cum- bria and Lancashire Family Court. He said: “I’ve had a base in Euxton for many years and Derian House has always been there. For as long as I can remember I’ve wanted get involved, but had never had the time before now having been so busy in my careers. “The amazing and Paul steps into hospice role All change: Paul Morton is taking over from Karen Swindley incredibly rewarding. I’m very proud of everything we’ve achieved together, especially seeing Derian House recognised nationally for the out- standing care it provides. “I’m going to miss Derian House, it has been a huge part of my life for almost 10 years. I have so many memories there. A truly unforget- table moment for me was when a mystery donor decided to gift a fully paid for Disney holiday for 13 of our families, I’m not ashamed to admit I cried when I heard!” important work Derian does with families fits in with my thinking and my beliefs. I have always strived to ensure that children have the best opportunities, whatever they are going through, and whatever that may look like to them. “I’m absolutely hon- oured to have been given the chance to be involved in influencing the future of this incredible charity and I am looking forward to utilising all of my expe- rience and knowledge to help Derian House thrive and innovate.” Karen Edwards, chief executive of Derian House, said: “We are thrilled to welcome Paul to the Derian family. He brings with him not only a wealth of profes- sional experience but a deep-rooted passion for helping children and families live their best lives. “We’re excited for the future and look forward to working with Paul to continue delivering the very best care and support to families who need us.” Karen Swindley said: “I wish Paul every suc- cess in taking over the reins and leading the board of Derian House forward from the amaz- ing place we have taken it to.” She added: “It has been an absolute honour to serve as the chair of trustees at Derian House “Working alongside such passionate, talented people – from staff and volunteers to my fel- low trustees – has been Fun in the park Fun day: Deputy mayor Sarita Chohan at the park event (Photo credit: Westhoughton Town Council) Gold standard: Derian House