A retired senior civil servant has taken the helm at a High Wycombe-based charity.

The South Bucks Hospice has appointed David Ellis as chairman of trustees, who has vowed to roll up his sleeves and join in the campaign to help people suffering from life-limiting conditions.

He said: “The things that matter to me are patients, the people who work here, and getting best value for money. I am absolutely committed to working for the community and those in need.”

Mr Ellis, 63, a father-of-two, was formerly chairman of Peace Hospice Care in Watford, a post he held for six years.

His wife, Debbie, died aged 53 in 2011 of mesothelioma, a cancer especially associated with exposure to asbestos. He has also been chairman for the past two years of The London Asbestos Support Awareness Group, a registered charity that deals with victims of asbestos, cancer and other diseases.

Mr Ellis said: “I have a direct interest in wanting to provide the best-quality services for people suffering pain and fear as a result of cancer and other diseases.

“Hospices are about reducing the fear of dying as well as about effective and timely medical intervention.”

He added: “I feel honoured and humbled to be placed in a position of helping lead the hospice forward and engaging with the community to ensure that every person who needs our service is able to avail themselves of it. Our hospice is right at the heart of the community and we are here to serve those who need us.”

Mr Ellis, who worked in senior positions for the HMRC for 40 years, is aiming to strike up collaborative partnerships with the community, such as offering training to staff in end-of-life care at nursing homes.

He became a trustee at South Bucks Hospice, based at Butterfly House in High Wycombe, in October this year. The chairman post is voluntary.