Francis House former CEO in New Year Honours List 2026

Revd David Ireland has been awarded a British Empire Medal for Services to Children’s Hospices.

A former chief executive of Francis House Children’s Hospice, has been recognised in King Charles’ New Year’s Honours list 2026.

David, from Dobcross in Oldham, retired as hospice chief executive in March 2025 after spending 20 years at the charity that provides respite care and support to the families of children and young people with life-limiting conditions.

Having started his working life as an architect, David oversaw the conversion of the site of a former convent in Didsbury into a hospice for children with life-limiting conditions. Francis House opened in 1991 by Diana Princess of Wales and David formally joined the board of trustees in the summer of 1994.

As chief executive David directed the expansion of the service to support more families at home and meet the demand for respite care for teenagers and young adults. To date the hospice has supported more than 1,500 families. David was also the driving force behind the opening of two residential care homes in Didsbury and Heaton Moor, providing age-appropriate facilities for young people with complex needs.

David was the Chaplain at Francis House for many years, providing spiritual support and guidance to hundreds of bereaved families. He is also a Minister at Oldham United Reformed Church.

David said: “I think it’s a great thing for Francis House as a whole. It’s something I’ve been involved with for 35 years and the staff are very dedicated. I think it’s something for everybody.”