The Princess Alice Hospice has announced its chief executive Nicholas Ratsey is to step down.

Mr Ratsey, who has been chief executive of the hospice in Esher for ten years, is leaving in March to start a full time Environmental Science degree with the Open University.

Nicholas Woolf, chairman of trustees at the hospice, said: “In the six years I have been a trustee - and chairman for the last four years - Nicholas has continued to lead and develop the hospice and there have been many milestones, including the successful redevelopment of the main building completed in 2006.

“We shall miss him greatly and wish him well for the future.”

He will be replaced by Nicki Cooper, currently working as the programme director for prevention and care at the British Heart Foundation.

Mr Woolf said: “The board of trustees are pleased to appoint a high calibre person who has shown inspirational leadership and a strong strategic approach.

“In her current role, she has clearly shown an ability to adapt to changing circumstances which, combined with her passion and enthusiasm, will support the hospice as we enter a period of change as the NHS evolves.”