Mary-Alice Stack, Director of Paintings in Hospitals, names the five most inspirational figures in her professional life.
Ron Lendon 0BE
Mr Lendon was my headmaster at Gospel Oak Primary School but fifteen years later we met again when I started work for the charity Paintings in Hospitals. Having retired from education he was (and still is) working as Voluntary Services Co-ordinator at the Whittington Hospital in North London. I?ve never met anyone quite so tirelessly committed and energetic as Ron. He must be well into his 80s by now, but still out-paces most people around the hospital corridors!
Marjorie Power
It was through a chance meeting with Marjorie that I was first made aware of the charity Paintings in Hospitals where I ended up working for over 9 years. Marjorie was my boss for nearly five years and was enormously supportive, helping me to develop my skills as an arts professional and leading me to take over from her as Director when she retired in 2000.
Susan Alcock
I first met Sue when Paintings in Hospitals needed some help with fundraising. Recently retired as Director of Music in Hospitals, Sue came on board as a consultant, and taught me almost everything I know about fundraising in the arts. She has been an invaluable support for me ever since.
Leslie Stack (my dad)
My dad died in 1976 when I was only 4 years old so we never had a chance to develop much of a relationship. However, I believe that many aspects of my life and the career that I have pursued are thanks to interests and abilities that I inherited from him. He was an Australian who came to London in the early 60s to pursue a career as an art dealer.
Richard Branson
Bit of an odd choice this one! Way, way back when Richard Branson and Virgin first appeared on our collective radar, I remember being impressed by the way in which he dealt with things personally ? becoming the face of the company as well as the Managing Director. It has always been important for me to work in an environment and within a culture where who you and how you relate to others is valued as much as what you do.