A leading figure in the success story of Helen House hospice is leaving to become executive director of Children's Wish Foundation International.

Catherine Wilson

Catherine Wilson takes up her post in London next month after 12 years at the east Oxford children's hospice.

She said: "It was not an easy decision. There's never a good time to leave something you love.

"Helen House has been my life for so long, but I feel it's time to seek new horizons."

More than 250 people who attended a ball to mark the completion of Douglas House, the world's first respite centre for 18- to 40-year-olds, were told the news by Helen House's founder, Sister Frances Dominica.

"She has not only been a fantastic fundraiser but also a wonderful friend to so many children and their families," said Sister Frances.

"She's a brilliant work colleague and friend. Her energy, enthusiasm and sensitivity are irreplaceable."

Mrs Wilson is the press and PR manager for the hospices but over the past three years has also been deeply involved in raising £4m for the Douglas House venture.

She and her husband Roger, project manager for Douglas House, have raised money by appealing to international foundations and charities, as well as receiving smaller amounts from jumble sales.

"We've been grateful for every penny," she said.

Her new job will be to raise public awareness of the US-based foundation, which has operated in Britain for some time but is now expanding into Europe. It helps make wishes come true for children with life-limiting illnesses.

"Not every child wants to visit Disneyland or drive a Ferrari with Jeremy Clarkson. Some wishes are quite simple and the aim is to do all we can," she said.

Mrs Wilson's work for Helen House and the children's hospice movement at large was recognised when she was made Oxfordshire's Woman of the Year for 2000 by the county Chamber of Commerce and Industry's Working Women Forum and Women in Management.