A HAMPSHIRE children’s hospice has announced the appointment of a new chief executive.

Mark Smith, Naomi House and Jacksplace’s current chief operating officer, has taken over as chief executive officer, following the departure of Chris Robinson.

The Sutton Scotney-based hospice provides care for life-limited and life-threatened children from across Hampshire.

More recently, it has supported the family of Basingstoke boy Jayden Wilson, who died at the age of five after a brain tumour. His father, Mike Wilson, recently released a Spider-Dad movie to raise cash for the hospice.

Mr Smith’s first major task will be to reopen the children’s hospice, after a £4million project to extend the facility to provide new family accommodation, bedrooms and living spaces.

He said: “I am incredibly honoured and proud to be appointed as chief executive of this wonderful charity and look forward to working with our committed team of trustees, staff and volunteers to further develop our services into the future.

“We are entering an exciting new phase in development of Naomi House and Jacksplace and I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who supports us and enables the care we provide in the hospices and in the community across the south of England.”

Mr Smith has worked in charity fundraising since 2001 after a career in financial services and IT, and joined Naomi House in January 2010.

He lives in Swindon, Wiltshire, with his wife Liz and two children Alfie, 15 and Faye, 10. He will formally took up the role yesterday.

Mr Robinson, the outgoing CEO, will take up a position with Chelsea Football Club