Tributes Paid To Well-Known Isle Of Wight Volunteer And Former NHS Worker

Tributes are being paid to a well known and much-loved Isle of Wight volunteer and former NHS worker.

Care in the Garden and Age UK Isle of Wight said Alan Thorne made a huge impact at both organisations.

Mr Thorne joined the AGE UK Isle of Wight was a trustee in 2019, having spent 40 years with the NHS.

He had been recently volunteering with Wootton-based charity, Care in the Garden.

In a joint statement, Sheila Evans, Age UK Isle of Wight Chair of Trustees and Rachel Mckernan, Chief Executive Officer, said:

"It is with deep sadness that we are informing you of the sudden death of our colleague and Trustee, Alan Thorne. 

"Alan joined the Age UK Isle of Wight Board of Trustees in 2019 having recently retired after 40 years’ service with the NHS, and immediately added strength and depth to Board discussions drawing upon his considerable knowledge and experience of the health and social care sector.

"He intelligently probed the basis upon which decisions should be made, but in ways that were thoughtful, supportive and well-intentioned.  In so doing, he gained the respect and admiration of his fellow Trustees, AUK IW management and staff, alike.

"Alan’s enthusiasm for life was infectious, and he never lost his sense of fun. He was happy to become involved in fundraising events and undertake Good Neighbour Scheme befriending to support the activities of the charity. In particular, his energy and planning skills were put to good effect by bringing together his two favourite charities on the island - Care in the Garden and AUK IW - to deliver Operation Geranium.

"He was currently engaged in project planning this Spring’s initiative. In April, he was about to assume the role of Chair of Trustees for Age UK IW.

"As much as we mourn his loss and will miss his contribution to Board deliberations, our first thoughts rest with his wife and family who have lost the centre of their world in such an unexpected manner.

"To them we express our heartfelt condolences at this desperately sad time."

Care in the Garden CEO, John Goodenough, said:

"It is with deep sadness that we are informing you of the sudden death of our valued colleague, volunteer and friend, Alan Thorne.

"Alan had only been with us for a relatively short time, but he had made such an impact here and he had made over 50 friends at Care In The Garden.

"He was like a breath of fresh air to this company and his intelligent insights will be greatly missed.

"Alan's friendly manner and enthusiasm touched the lives of all our staff, volunteers, and supported workers. His compassionate professionalism is a quality you don’t find in many people.

"We are all in a state of shock here at Care In The Garden and our thoughts and condolences go out to his family and friends at this sad time.

"On a personal note, a big thank you Alan, for coming into our lives and helping me realise the true value of what we do here at Care In The Garden and the importance of family in all our lives."