Caroline Sharkey

Caroline Sharkey - Head of Finance 

Caroline Sharkey, the Head of Finance at East Lancashire Hospice, has been an integral part of the organisation for 14 years. 

Her journey to this role began with a keen interest in finance, leading her to pursue a career as an accountant. After gaining experience in various audit firms she discovered an opportunity at the hospice, a place she had known since her teenage years when a family member received care there. 

Over the years, Caroline’s role at the hospice has evolved from a Finance Manager to the Head of Finance. She started with hands-on tasks, building a team and implementing new policies to support the hospice's transition to an independent charity. Her respon­sibi­lities now include managing finances, monitoring performance, and safeguarding the hospice from financial harm. 

Her most memorable moments are when the hospice achieved an ‘Outstanding’ rating from the CQC and cherishes moments, such as the inpatient nurses organising a patient’s horse to come to visit her bedside - there wasn’t a dry eye that day! She also has fond memories of weddings that the hospice has been able to facilitate for people and the community nurses taking patients to their much loved football matches at the weekend! 

Caroline credits the hospice for her growth and resilience, both personally and professionally. She values the strong team spirit and the passion everyone shares for making a difference. Being selected as one of the 40 faces is a humbling honour for Caroline, symbolising her deep connection to an organisation that holds a special place in the hearts of many.