Our Patrons
Lady Emma Barnard, His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of West Sussex
I first came across the CCSS (and Roey!) when I made one of my first visits as High Sheriff of West Sussex in 2017 – I was so struck that I can remember every single detail of my visit to the Coroner’s Court at Crawley.
It was one of the big things I took with me out of that whole extraordinary year. I have always felt very strongly that death is, wrongly, such a taboo subject and that what your volunteers do clearly makes an unbelievable difference, not just to the people for whom you are caring – the poor people going through the inquests – but also to the Coroner, the Coroner’s Officers and everyone at the Court. I can’t emphasise enough the value of what you all do and it really stayed in my heart.
I am deeply honoured to be asked to be your first Patron and I am also incredibly touched. I am looking forward to many years ahead of great things for the Coroners’ Court Support Service and I think that where you are going is extremely exciting. I am very, very proud and not a little humbled to be asked to be a tiny part of it.
HHJ Mark Lucraft, KC
I was the Chief Coroner of England & Wales for just over 4 years. In the course of my time, I had many dealings with the Coroners’ Courts Support Service and with many of the wonderful volunteers who give of their time and experience.
I have been greatly impressed by the work that is done to assist those going through an Inquest. I know that many coroners are pleased to have the CCSS and their volunteers at their courts helping families of the bereaved where they can, and those where the CCSS has yet to reach, are keen to also have their services available.
Although I have recently left my post as Chief Coroner to concentrate on my role as the Recorder of London at the Central Criminal Court (the Old Bailey), I feel greatly honoured to be asked to be a Patron. I hope the CCSS goes from strength to strength and I am extremely proud to be asked to lend my support where I can.