Top Dorset businessman Gordon Page CBE DL has joined Lewis-Manning Hospice Care as Chairman of its new Corporate Development Board.

The board is a volunteer committee with the primary aim of raising awareness of the Poole-based charity and also raise funds to support its ‘Closer to Home’ services.

Mr Page is one of the county’s best-known business leaders who has made a major contribution to the business community of Bournemouth, Poole and Dorset spanning decades.

After 27 years with Rolls-Royce, he joined Wimborne-based Cobham plc in 1990.

As Chief Executive, and later Chairman, Mr Page led the company to global standing as a front-runner in the development, delivery and support of aerospace and defence systems.

He retired from the company in 2008 and is currently Chairman of AirTanker Ltd and a Director of Bournemouth company, Seascape Ltd.

Clare Gallie, Chief Executive Officer, Lewis-Manning Hospice, said: “We are honoured to have Gordon Page as Chairman of the Lewis-Manning Hospice Care Corporate Development Board.

“Gordon’s experience, drive and vision will help raise our profile and open doors to enable us to secure funding for our ‘Closer to Home’ service, which is an essential offering for patients in Dorset with life-limiting illnesses who want to stay closer to home.”

Mr Page said: “I am delighted to be able to support Lewis-Manning Hospice Care. The services they offer to the Dorset community are exceptional.

“I am committed to this wonderful charity and to helping them deliver the funds needed for their ‘Closer to Home’ services. I am hoping that local businesses will share our vision and join me in supporting this local charity.”

The Corporate Development Board is made up of a Chairman and up to four other committee members, the CEO and Director of Fundraising.

The board will be responsible for raising funds in accordance with the vision and strategy for Lewis-Manning Hospice Care.