24/02/2026
Last week, we lost our CEO, Gary, following a short illness with cancer. We are heartbroken.
Just a few months ago, he stood on stage at the CCH National Extraordinary Care Awards, raising a glass to our teams. The room was full. He stood slightly to one side, never seeking the spotlight, but unmistakably proud.
That was Gary. Always turning the focus back to the people who make care possible. Those delivering it. Those supporting it. Those strengthening it every day across the country.
In under four years, he reshaped CCH.
He brought together 32 operating companies with a single people-first vision and renewed confidence in our national role. He strengthened how we operate and clarified the responsibility that comes with scale to reach those who need us and be a voice for the sector.
He believed in the professionalism of those who deliver care. Under his leadership, we moved from “care workers” to “care professionals,” as a statement of respect. He ensured their experience and judgement helped shape our direction. He created the Extraordinary Care Awards because excellence in care deserves recognition. He launched CCH Connect, our internal platform connecting over 15,000 colleagues and giving them a voice across the organisation.
Externally, he was determined that social care should not sit at the margins of national life. It should stand at the centre. He challenged perceptions, engaged policymakers and worked to secure home care’s rightful place in this country. The sector awarded him as the Most Influential Leader, but he was quick to credit that recognition to the strength of our teams.
Days before his passing, in his final letter to colleagues, he wrote:
“I know that each of you is the strength of CCH, and it is through you that we, and our sector, will rise. Please know that I am with you, and I believe in you. Above all, I am proud and grateful to be part of this family. We are one, , and we do not fail.”
Social care matters to this country. Gary believed that. So do we.
We will carry that belief forward. With Community. With Courage. With Heart. Together, we will transform the image of care, further support the health of the nation and strengthen the lives entrusted to us. For Gary, we will not fail.