New chief executive for Warwickshire care charity

A WARWICKSHIRE charity, which cares for people with conditions such as Multiple Sclerosis, Motor Neurone Disease and Huntington’s Disease, has appointed a new chief executive.

Marie Bawden, who joined Leamington-based Castel Froma in 2009 as director of HR and finance and subsequently became interim deputy chief executive, has made the step up to the lead role.

Ms Bawden had previously been a partner with Coventry and Warwickshire accountants Harrison Beale & Owen and her financial expertise was a strong factor in her appointment.

Steve Nicklin, chairman of Castel Froma said: “This is a very important step for the future of Castel Froma. We are delighted to appoint someone with Marie’s experience and expertise as our chief executive.

“While the quality of care is what we are all about, there is no future for the centres if we don’t have the finance behind it to be able to deliver that care. Marie’s background and knowledge in this area made her the ideal person for the post.”

Castel Froma was established in 1874 and now cares for more than 400 people per year across its two sites – a long-term rehabilitation and care centre in Lillington Road and a respite and long-term care facility at the Helen Ley Centre.

It is funded by the NHS to provide basic care for complex neurological conditions – which includes Multiple Sclerosis, Motor Neurone Disease, Parkinson’s Disease, Huntington’s Disease and brain injury.

However, it relies on charitable donations to be able to offer additional care and support to people, which includes everything from days out to hydrotherapy.

Ms Bawden said: “Around 60% of the people who come to us are from this area but we also have referrals from around the country. They may have been diagnosed with a condition such as Huntington’s or Motor Neurone Disease – or it could be a brain injury caused by something as simple as falling from a horse or bike.

“The basic care is provided through NHS funding but we want to offer much more than that – it’s a wonderful environment here both internally and with our beautiful gardens and all of that adds to the experience but also the cost.

“On top of that, we want to offer people social activities too and that is where we rely on charitable support.”