The chairman of Bermuda’s leading cancer care charity is stepping down after more than 21 years in the post.

Gavin Arton has been succeeded by Bill Wharton, the head of Argo Insurance, who formally stepped into the role this month.

Mr Arton said: “PALS has been a quiet passion of mine for a long time and I hope I have helped its growth and development in providing critical support for those living with cancer and their families.

“I feel the time is right for me to step back from this role and allow for new leadership.

“I have known Bill Wharton for many years. He is a true professional and I know he is committed to ensuring the continued success of PALS.”

Mr Wharton said he was pleased and honoured to have been asked to take on the role by the charity’s board.

“PALS has a long history and I look forward to helping them continue to serve the needs of the community at a time when the demand for our services continues to increase,” he said.

Colleen English DeGrilla, executive director of PALS, said the charity was grateful for the hard work and dedication that Mr Arton has given over the past two decades.

“Since I joined PALS over five years ago, Gavin has been extremely supportive and has most recently guided us through Covid-19, one of the most difficult times to be a nursing agency throughout PALS history,” Ms DeGrilla said.

“The entire PALS team wishes Gavin well and we know that he will continue to remain in our lives. We wish to thank him for his many years of dedication and service.

“We all welcome and look forward to Bill and what he brings to PALS. His wealth of experience and forward-thinking abilities will enable us to enhance all processes and most importantly better continue to improve the services that we provide to our patients.”

For more information about PALS, or to donate or to volunteer, visit www.pals.bm.