Tim Titheridge explains decision to quit Wessex Cancer Trust

Tim Titheridge has stepped down as chairman of The Wessex Cancer Trust after five years in the role and 12 years as a trustee.

He said when he took over the chairmanship he vowed that he would only stay in the post if he continued to be supported by all the trustees during his tenure of office.

But he told the Echo that one of the trustees – who he declined to name – had requested a number of undisclosed matters to be brought up at the last board meeting that he felt called into question his personal integrity.

He said: “Sadly, one, and as far as I am aware, only one of 18 trustees, was latterly concerned with my stewardship.

“She was asked to stand down, but she refused, leaving me with no alternative, if I was stick to my principles, but to ask the trustees to accept my resignation.”

Now the former chairman said he intends to concentrate on his work as chief executive with Southampton based commercial property development company City Estates and Planet Sport where he is a non-executive director.

However he leaves many memories of his working for the charity.

“There are so many things we have done including The Daisy Appeal for a new oncology unit on the Isle of Wight, creating chalets to give people respite and numerous fundraising events that we have enjoyed.

“I genuinely do believe that we are helping so many people in so many different ways and there have been so many heart-warming stories.”

The trust’s chief executive Sally Hall declined to comment about Mr Titheridge’s resignation.

His departure comes five months after the charity’s public relations and media manager Tina Hawke left when her job was made redundant.

The Daily Echo understands that Mrs Hawke has started legal action against her employers at the Wessex Cancer Trust over the way her post was made redundant.

Since its creation in 1981 the charity has raised around £17 million to help and support cancer services across the region.