It was the end of an era for the Pied Piper Appeal as Nick Broady handed over the role of appeal chair to Ben Caton after 12 years in the role.

Former appeal chairman Roger Head OBE DL stepped down but remains a trustee, making way for Nick to become chair of the trustees, and Michael Everson has taken on the role of vice-chair of the appeal following Julie Kent MBE, who stepped aside a few months ago.

Founded in 1992, The Pied Piper Appeal is the leading children's charity in Gloucestershire. Its mission is to make a difference to the lives of sick and disabled children in the county.

Nick Broady said: "It is time to advance the charity with new strategies and personnel who will guide us into an era of fundraising and new initiatives. The key mission remains the same, to continue the effort to support sick and disabled children in Gloucestershire.

"I am proud of the charity's achievements during my tenure and look forward to continuing to lead the board as chair of trustees. The Pied Piper charity is planning to progress with its experienced board of trustees, army of volunteers and the generous and loyal support from the business community. We have an exciting and full events programme across 2025."

Ben Caton, new chair of the appeal, said: "I am immensely proud to have been trusted by the amazing people before me to take up the chairman of the appeal role. 

"Pied Piper has a place in my heart and the hearts of so many Gloucestershire families, and it's a real honour to continue to change lives while we build an even more prosperous charity over the coming years.

"Nick, Roger and Julie have tirelessly worked to develop Pied Piper into what it is today, and I know every single one of us within the organisation is forever grateful for the foundation they have created.

"As times change and the world around too, I am excited to work with an amazing group of trustees, team members and volunteers to do what we do best helping sick and disabled children within Gloucestershire."

As chair of the board of trustees, Nick is supported by Roger Head OBE DL, Julie Kent MBE, Peter Hickman MBE & founder; Richard Wilkey, Marcus Gomery, Cathryn Hage, Kevin Day, Clara Thompson, Steven Joule, Jonathan Viney and Tim Fry.

Mark Owen, editor of Punchline-Gloucester.com, said: "Congratulations from the Punchline team to Nick and to the previous Pied Piper chairs Peter and Roger for all their work over the past 32 years raising millions of pounds for this children's charity, helped by the various volunteers and trustees.

"We wish Ben all the best and assure him that Punchline will continue to support the charity as it always has."  

For more information on the Pied Piper Appeal, visit piedpiperappeal.co.uk