MDA UK is very pleased to announce that Mark Goldstone, a philanthropist and longstanding supporter of Magen David Adom, has joined its Trustee Board.
With a career spanning over 40 years in independent financial services, Mark established his own advisory firm nearly 20 years ago. Alongside his professional career, in addition to a number of different philanthropic causes between the UK and Israel, Mark has been a strong contributor to MDA’s lifesaving work. This has included donating towards everything from a defibrillator, to a medi-cycle, to a room at the Marcus National Blood Services Centre in Ramla – all of which have helped save lives and mend injuries.
During his visits to Israel, he has also taken the opportunity to experience an ambulance shift and witness firsthand how MDA emergency responders and volunteers treat patients from all walks of life across Israel. A significant experience he remembers in detail to this day, the 8-hour shift reflected the variety of calls faced by MDA’s workforce as well as the diversity of its volunteer and emergency medical service (EMS) teams.
Based in Greater Manchester, Mark is keen to continue strengthening and sustaining ties to MDA UK’s supporters in the North.
Welcoming Mark to the Board, Russell Jacobs, MDA UK Chairman, said:
“Mark is an excellent and very welcome appointment to the Board. A long-time supporter of MDA UK and a committed philanthropist, Mark already has a strong, personal connection to MDA’s work.
“He will be helping us to cement our ties to the North of England and act as a champion for MDA nationally.”
Mark Goldstone said of his appointment:
“MDA’s ethos of saving lives has always resonated with me and it has been a pleasure to support its work through MDA UK over the years. Taking this next step as a Trustee was a natural choice and it will be a privilege to lend my expertise as part of the Board while of course remaining an ambassador for the charity.
“Like so many, I am awed by the bravery, courage and commitment MDA’s first responders and volunteers display in their work – in helping, treating and saving patients, including in times of crisis and devastation. It is through brilliant organisations such as MDA UK that we can demonstrate our commitment and appreciation in return.
“While I do not have a medical background, the amazing quality of service and volunteering that runs through MDA shows us all that we can make a difference. I had the opportunity to experience a shift on an ambulance on a visit to Israel and it really brought home what vital work they do 24/7, 365 days a year.
“MDA is, of course, a microcosm of the best qualities of Israel. Whenever I visit, I prefer to do so with purpose – meeting with communities, hearing my Hebrew name spoken, experiencing the amazing generosity and spirit of its people. At times such as these, for many of us in the UK donating towards MDA UK provides an important way to continue to strengthen those ties to Israel by supporting MDA’s extraordinary lifesaving mission.”