A man who lost his son aged just 18 months old following complications with heart surgery has joined the board of trustees at East Anglia's Children's Hospices (EACH).

Brad McLean, from Wymondham, said he wanted to help the charity, which supported him and his wife, Debbie, after their son Stanley died in 2012.

He said he had first-hand experience of how valuable EACH was.

He said: 'They were at our door the next day and helped us through some of the hardest times of our lives, showing us ways to remember Stanley and helping us to move forward.

'I am extremely proud and honoured to join Each as a trustee, a charity which is full of exceptional people providing amazing care and support for children, young people and their families throughout East Anglia.'

The couple received bereavement counselling support provided by the wellbeing team at EACH's Quidenham hospice.

After Stanley died, the McLean's have been avid supporters of the charity, raising thousands of pounds through The Stanley McLean Trust, set up in his memory.

EACH has a team of 14 trustees, who are all volunteers.

Its members have backgrounds in areas including finance, healthcare, IT, law, investment, social care, the public sector and marketing.

Mr McLean, who is originally from Canada, is the general manager of Thorpeness Golf Club and Hotel.

Graham Butland, chief executive, said: 'We are thrilled to welcome Brad as an EACH trustee.

'With his personal experience of the vital services EACH provides and his strong business background, I am confident he will be a valuable asset to our team.

'I look forward to working with Brad to continue and develop the vital services we provide for families across East Anglia.'

Mr McLean has more 20 years experience in the golf industry having served in director-of-golf roles with both Crown Golf and Marriott International.

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