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