"Wise by name and wise by nature" Julia's House founder dies aged 84

The Dorset and Wiltshire children's hospice charity have paid tribute.

Author: Jack DeeryPublished 17th Nov 2020

Children's Hospice charity, Julia's House has said they are "deeply saddened" to announce the death of its Founder and Life President.

Mike Wise MBE has passed away at the age of 84, 23 years after he set up the service.

Mr Wise was friends with Julia Perks, who had the dream of creating a hospice service for children in Dorset.

Julia died of cancer before it became a reality, but Mike took on the challenge and registered the charity in 1997, naming it after his friend.

Chief Executive of Julia's House, Martin Edwards, recruited by Mike in 2005, said:

"Mike Wise was the pivotal figure in the history of Julia's House. He made it happen and would not rest until these vital services for local children were up and running. Mike was also the key driver in creating our family support services, as he had personal experience of the huge pressures of being a long term carer. He was wise by name and wise by nature, an innovator, always positive, wickedly funny, and a great mentor."

In 2007 Mike was awarded an MBE, presented to him by HM The Queen, for his work for Julia's House.

He had been it's chairman for a decade and had seen the charity grow from nothing to eventually having a hospice opened by HRH Prince Edward in 2006.

After playing an active role in Julia's House for more than 10 years, Mike retired from the Board of Trustees but remained the charity's Life President.

He was open about his long battle with Parkinson's disease, even undertaking a sky-dive from 13,000 feet to raise money in 2012, aged 76.

In the same year, Mike was selected to carry the Olympic Torch through the village of Fontmell Magna.

Mike with the Olympic Torch in 2012

Julia's daughter Natasha Valentine, who works for the charity as its shop manager in Broadstone, said:

"Mike has been a close family friend for many years and I feel privileged to have seen first-hand his incredible passion and commitment to Mum's charity Julia's House. Mike's energy and enthusiasm has been the driving force behind making the dream of Julia's House a reality and the truly special place it is today. His achievements have helped many families in need and he has left a truly remarkable legacy."

At the request of his family, a collection has been established in Mr Wise's memory in aid of Julia's House, to which people can contribute by visiting the charity's Just Giving page.