Meet the Team
Chairman
Jim Hopley MBE
Jim has had a long and varied relationship with the Home initially as a carer when they provided help to his first wife and latterly as Chair, a position he has held for the past 10 years.
Jim has been an active campaigner of disability in all of its guises since retiring from a career in retail in 2011. However, due to his personal connection, the Cheshire home, its residents, external users and fantastic staff will always have first call on his time.
CEO
Donna Abel
Donna has been a loyal supporter of Jersey Cheshire Home for many years through participating in a number of challenging fundraising treks to remote areas around the world. Donna was appointed CEO in October 2020 following a long and successful career as a Director of Human Resources.
Donna is passionate about enhancing the lives, as well as making a meaningful difference, to the residents of Jersey Cheshire Home and also their family members. This is evidenced by Donna recently extending her flair and passion for interior design by updating various areas of the Home to ensure it remains a modern and up to date centre for its residents and their families.
Registered Manager
Cirsty de Gruchy
Registered ManagerCirsty is a Chartered Physiotherapist with over 20 years’ experience, who has held a variety of clinical and managerial roles. Cirsty is passionate about the community and has worked in the third sector for many years. Cirsty has recently joined Jersey Cheshire Home as their registered manager and previously was the Head of Move More Jersey at Jersey Sport and the Day Hospice and Therapies Manager at Jersey Hospice Care for over 9 years.
As Head of Move More Jersey, Cirsty was responsible for the strategic development and delivery of the Move More theme of the Inspiring an Active Jersey strategy on behalf of Jersey Sport and the Government of Jersey. She worked across a variety of sectors in the island (Community, Primary Care, Corporate, Third Sector, Government, Public Services) to forge collaborative partnerships to lead the development of opportunities which help deliver an active Jersey and advocate for physical activity to improve the health and wellbeing specifically aimed at the least active and disengaged islanders. She worked in an advocacy and consultancy roles with regards to physical activity and health across the island including engaging with the media, GOJ, private, public and third sector. Previously Cirsty worked at Jersey Hospice Care as a physiotherapist and in the later years became the Day Hospice and Therapies Services Manager where she was responsible for the development of new models of delivery of the day and therapy services. She has also worked within the NHS and Jersey General Hospital.
Cirsty has comprehensive understanding of the impact that disability, illness and long-term conditions has on people’s everyday lives and is passionate about community development and improving the health and wellbeing of islanders.
Cirsty has a very active 12 year old son who is disabled and has additional needs and through this is very involved in creating opportunities for islanders living with a disability. She was instrumental in setting up the Cycle Without Limit Adapted Cycle centre on the island in 2020 and has developed a partnership with the Superheroes Series, founded by Paralympian, Sophia Warner to bring it to the island. She also setup the charity, Little Miracles, in 2014 to support families with babies in the Special Care Baby Unit.
Email:cirsty.degruchy@jch.je
Senior Leadership Team
Lily Opinca
Clinical Lead NurseLily Opinca
Clinical Lead NurseAs a Registered Nurse, Lily has a wealth of experience providing care and nursing support to physically disabled people.
Kamila Neil
Finance and Administration ManagerKamila Neil
Finance and Administration ManagerKamila has worked at Cheshire Home for over 15 years in various roles. She now heads up the Finance and Administration team.
Adrian Doolan
Site and Facilities Manager / Head ChefAdrian Doolan
Site and Facilities Manager / Head ChefProfessionally trained Chef, previously worked in Five Star and Michelin Star establishments in London, France and Jersey.
Petra Le Brocq
Human Resources OfficerPetra Le Brocq
Human Resources OfficerPetra previously worked for a large local retailer in their HR and L&D department where she gained experience and knowledge.
