Meet the charity staff

Tara, Marketing & Communications Officer

Meet Tara, our Marketing & Communications Officer. She shares the stories of Katharine House Hospice, promotes our services, campaigns and fundraising events, and keeps our community updated on the impact of their support. Discover more about Tara’s journey to the marketing team and what she enjoys most about working here.

Name: Tara Lever
Job Title: Marketing & Communications Officer
Joined the team: December 2024

How did you get into your role and come to work for Katharine House?

My career has taken me through a variety of roles, including marketing, working as a teaching assistant at a local primary school and, most recently, working for a charity supporting local families.

I originally joined Katharine House as the Voluntary Services Coordinator, which I loved. I am still amazed by all the incredible volunteers who support the hospice, each with their own story about why they chose to volunteer.

Before I had my children, I worked in marketing for many years, so when the opportunity came up to help with the hospice’s social media one day a week, I jumped at the chance. After a few months, I was given the opportunity to trial the Marketing & Communications Officer role and was delighted to be offered the position permanently just before Christmas 2025.

Tara Lever Voluntary Services Coordinator portrait

What’s a typical day like?

No two days are the same. I usually start by checking our social media and responding to the lovely comments and messages we receive. The support from our community constantly blows me away, and it’s always special to hear what the hospice means to people.

Alongside managing our social media, I write our monthly supporter e-newsletter (sign up if you haven’t already!). You might find me taking photographs around the hospice, speaking with the team about upcoming events, or being in touch with our fantastic supporters to share how they’ve been raising vital funds for the hospice.

Some days, I might be interviewing a patient on the ward or in our Living Well group. It’s a real privilege to listen to people’s experiences and share their stories. It’s one of my favourite parts of the job.

How does it feel to work for the hospice?

I feel incredibly proud to be part of Katharine House Hospice, which has such an outstanding reputation. My father-in-law was a patient here eight years ago, and the care and compassion he received, as well as the support given to our family, was truly exceptional.

I feel honoured to now be part of the marketing team, helping to spread the word about the hospice and the vital services we provide.

What makes Katharine House so special?

It’s been said again and again, but it really is the people who make Katharine House so special. I was told when I started how welcoming and supportive everyone was, and it’s absolutely true.

Now for some quick-fire questions…

If I could go anywhere in the world, I’d go to:  Italy. I’ve not been yet and have always wanted to go.

My favourite dessert is: sticky toffee pudding and ice cream, every time!

People are often surprised when I tell them: I used to be a children’s entertainer! I ran my own business for three years, running weekly music classes and performing at pre-school birthday parties!

My favourite way to unwind is: reading my book in the garden with a coffee on a sunny day.

If I had one superpower, it would be: time travel. I’d like to go back to a time when my children were younger and didn’t find me so embarrassing!

My favourite thing to eat is: an Indian takeaway.

My favourite season is: spring. The trees are blossoming, the evenings are getting longer and I love going for a walk without needing a coat.

If I was stranded on a desert island, I would want: my Kindle, a cocktail and a giant parasol!

Without doubt, the best animals are: dogs. Our boy, Buddy, is a rescue from Spain. He came to live with us at the beginning of lockdown and our lives are all the better for it.

The best advice I’ve ever been given is: “Talk to yourself the way you would speak to a friend or loved one!” A great reminder if I’m being too hard on myself.

Katharine House Hospice

To find out more about the work we do, read What we do or explore our Events calendar and For Patients and Families pages.
If you’re a local business and want to learn more about supporting Katharine House, go to our Corporate pages.
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