Rt Revd and Rt Hon Dame Sarah Mullally DBE, Bishop of London, and Archbishop of Canterbury

The Rt Revd and Rt Hon Dame Sarah Mullally became our Patron on 2 October 2025, on the eve of being announced as the next Archbishop of Canterbury.  

She brings significant national leadership experience in bereavement, health and social care. Between 1999 to 2004, she was Chief Nursing Officer for England and the National Health Service's director of patient experience for England. She currently serves as Chair of the UK Commission on Bereavement, which highlighted the urgent need for accessible, non-clinical support for the millions affected by bereavement each year. In addition, as the Church of England’s Lead Bishop for Health and Social Care in the House of Lords, she has been a consistent advocate for the wellbeing of people and communities facing profound challenges.

Speaking of her role as Patron, The Rt Revd and Rt Hon Dame Sarah Mullally said: 

“Having long admired the work of AtaLoss, I am thrilled to be its Patron. Its vision of a society in which grieving people are fully supported and given the tools they need to deal with a death is one which we can all get behind, and one which I know they are working tirelessly to bring about. I know from personal experience, not just as a priest but as a nurse, that too often people feel they are alone in their grief. 

The work of charities like AtaLoss is so vital to ensure bereaved people know they are not alone, that there are resources out there for those that need it. It is an honour to join Yvonne and the team in furthering this mission.”