1977 leaver Dr Sindy Newman [née Buttoo] has been appointed as the new President of the British Red Cross for Lancashire.

Sindy, who lives in St. Annes-on-Sea and is a mother of three, decided to get involved with the Red Cross because of her passion to help people who suffer and the great work the organisation does both overseas and in the UK. She says:

"People tend to be aware of the emergency service work of the Red Cross, particularly abroad, but they also do a lot to help vulnerable people in their homes to maintain their independence across the UK. Taking on this role with the Red Cross is a tremendous honour and really comes from the heart. I feel there is a huge amount of work to be done and can't wait to get started."

Sindy recently raised thousands for the Kim Foundation for Children, Victims of War by organising a charity ball at the iconic Blackpool Tower Ballroom. The guest of honour, Miss Kim Phuc, UNESCO Goodwill Peace Ambassador was a child victim of the Vietnam War and became known as ‘the Girl in the Picture' when she was burnt in a napalm attack. Sindy has also fundraised for various other local charities, including the Butterfly and Phoenix projects and Donnas Dream House.

As Lancashire President, Sindy, who is a physician specialising in medical obesity with four practices across the North-West, will help promote the Red Cross as an advocate and ambassador, hosting and attending events and helping the organisation to raise funds and find new volunteers.

Our congratulations go to Sindy on this presitigous appointment.