Our patrons

The Pear Tree Fund

The Pear Tree Centre

Introducing our patrons

Find out more about the Pear Tree Fund’s patrons.

Jan Etherington

Jan Etherington is a multi-award winning comedy writer and journalist who became a patron of the Pear Tree Fund in 2022.

Alongside her husband Gavin Petrie, Jan has written many long-running radio and TV comedies, including ‘Second Thoughts’, ‘Next of Kin’ and ‘Faith in the Future’, which won a British Comedy Award. Her most recent success is Radio 4 comedy ‘Conversations from a Long Marriage’, starring Joanna Lumley and Roger Allam. Jan also writes regularly for many publications, including a monthly column in Suffolk Magazine.

Jan moved to Suffolk 10 years ago and lives on the coast with Gavin and Jagger, her English Setter. She is a daily sea swimmer and a former tour guide at Southwold Lighthouse.

Jan’s play ‘You’ll Be Fine’ was written for the Pear Tree Fund and premiered at the Ink Festival in Halesworth, to which Jan regularly contributes.

“I discovered the Pear Tree Fund when I was asked to write a play for the charity,” said Jan. “Subsequently, my husband was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and the Pear Tree Fund has been wonderfully supportive. I am honoured to be a patron.”

JAN ETHERINGTON 2022 HIGH RES
Lois Hunt square

Lois Hunt 

Lois Hunt became a patron of the Pear Tree Fund in 2015.

Lois moved to Heveningham Hall with her husband and four children more 20 years ago, and has since restored the house and gardens while becoming more and more involved with the community.

Lois started Heveningham Hall Country Fair alongside representatives from Heveningham, Huntingfield, Cookley, Cratfield and Walpole. Together with an annual firework displays, Christmas market and Santa run, the event has now raised well over £1million for local charities, including £30,000 for the Pear Tree Fund in 2023.

“I wanted to become involved with the Pear Tree Fund after experiencing the amazing support and care that a close friend received when she had great need,” said Lois, who is also director and owner of Halesworth Golf Club, which supports the Pear Tree Fund's annual charity golf day.

"I've also seen what an essential and very welcome service it provides within the community.”

Elaine Murphy - Baroness Murphy of Aldgate

Elaine Murphy, Baroness Murphy of Aldgate, became a patron of the Pear Tree Fund in autumn 2020.

Formerly Foundation Professor of Old Age Psychiatry at the University of London, Baroness Murphy has been a politically independent life peer since 2004. She was formerly the Chief Medical Officer’s personal advisor in her field and a UK advisor on mental health to the World Health Organisation.

Baroness Murphy has a wealth of experience of chairing NHS trusts and health authorities, and has a special interest in mental health and social care in the House of Lords. She is also a vice-president of the Alzheimer’s Society.

“I was delighted to accept the role of patron with the Pear Tree Fund,” she said. “The charity has some very impressive trustees and staff at its helm who work hard to support the community.”

Elaine Murphy

Need more information about the Pear Tree Fund?

The Pear Tree Fund's latest news

Learn what's happening in and around our fund.

Karen and Rachel’s marathon effort

Pear Tree Fund supporters Karen Prime and Rachel Plant are gearing up to take on some incredible sporting challenges during 2025 to raise money for our charity. The duo will kick off by running the Southwold half marathon on Sunday ... Read More

Thank you for your generosity!

The Pear Tree Fund has received nearly £43,000 from its fantastic supporters which will be used to provide vital support to local people when they need it most. Over the past few weeks, the charity has been given: A £3,000 ... Read More
Queen's Head Bramfield

Meet our fabulous fundraisers – the Queen’s Head at Bramfield

Kate, Kev and the team at the Queen’s Head in Bramfield have raised a staggering £11,500 for the Pear Tree Fund so far…. and they haven’t finished yet! Find out more about what drives and inspires them by watching our ... Read More

Sign up to the Pear Tree Fund newsletter

Get involved with the Pear Tree Fund

Be a part of something special in your local community

Help us grow

Help us grow

Support one of our fundraising events today

Socialise with us

Explore the centre...

Find out more about the Pear Tree Centre

Visit the Blog

Check out the blog...

Get to the root of the charity with our news

Help The Pear Tree Fund with a small donation...

We are registered with the Fundraising Regulator. You can read their promise by clicking here.