We are deeply saddened to learn that Derek Phillips, Demelza’s Founder President, has died aged 83.

In Derek’s own words, about his inspiration for a children’s hospice in the south east of England, he said: “Now when I look back over the pattern of my life, I can see it has all had a purpose and I understand how my experiences were preparing me for my role in the children’s hospice movement.”

Along with his late wife Jennifer, Derek established our charity in memory of their daughter Demelza, who tragically died of a brain tumour aged 24 and had been dedicated to supporting care for local children with serious or life-limiting conditions ever since.

Wanting to continue her legacy, and after a mammoth four-year fundraising effort which collected £4 million, the couple opened Demelza’s first hospice in 1998 in Sittingbourne, Kent - a beautiful building with its iconic oast house which Derek, an architect, had designed himself.

Derek faced further tragedy three years later after Jennifer unexpectedly died. She is remembered in the Kent hospice’s Garden of Tranquillity, along with many of the children and young people who have benefited from Demelza’s care and support.

Over the years Demelza has expanded by merging with two other charities; opening a hospice in Eltham, South East London, and a community hospice at home service in East Sussex. We now provide support every year to over 600 children, young people and their families, providing palliative, respite, end-of-life and bereavement care.

Paying tribute to the founder, Demelza CEO Lavinia Jarrett, who joined the Demelza in 1999, said: “We owe a great deal to the insight, dedication and fortitude of Derek Phillips. He had great vision and belief that the people of the south east would support the needs of a hospice for the children in our area. Our supporters have never disappointed and have never failed to ensure Derek’s visions lives on, providing specialist care and support to children and their families.”

Derek, who was living in Southampton at the time of his death, stepped down as chairman of the board of trustees in 2001, taking on the role of Demelza’s founder president.

In May 2022, Derek, received Prime Minister daily Points of Light award, which recognises outstanding individuals who are making a change in their community and inspiring others.

Sean Reynolds, Chair of Trustees, added: “Demelza had worked at Acorns Children’s Hospice in Birmingham. After her funeral, Derek and Jennifer visited the hospice and saw that it was not a place of sadness and regret; instead, it radiated cheerfulness. They had a vision to create something just as special in the south east of England in her memory and the courage and energy to bring that to reality. 

“The board of trustees owe a debt of gratitude for Derek’s long years of service as founder president and support for the children’s hospice movement. Our sincere condolences go to Derek’s family.”

Richard Oldfield, President added: "We are all so sad to hear the news of Derek’s death.  He was the force of nature that made Demelza possible.  It was his dynamism, optimism, determination that created the house in Bobbing, as founder of the organisation which has helped so many children and their families. We will miss him greatly."

If you would like to share your condolences and memories for Derek’s family a tribute page has been created. Please click here.