Sarah-Jane (SJ) Holden serves as the Chair of the Guild of St John of Jerusalem Eye Hospital, the primary London-based fundraising organisation supporting the St John of Jerusalem Eye Hospital Group (SJEHG). A third-generation member of the Guild, SJ joined in 1990, following in the footsteps of her great aunt and mother, and has been dedicated to the organisation for 36 years.
SJ was appointed Acting Chair in 2018 and took up the permanent role in 2022. Over the years, she has played a pivotal role in organising a wide range of fundraising and awareness events, from bridge afternoons to large-scale receptions, dinners, and concerts. She is motivated by the Eye Hospital’s ethos of providing care to patients in some of the world’s most complex regions, regardless of ethnicity, religion, or ability to pay, prioritising humanitarian relief over politics.
Reflecting on her time in the Guild, SJ values the connections she has made with like-minded, generous individuals who share a deep commitment to the Eye Hospital’s mission.
The Guild has supported numerous projects, including funding the Matron’s salary, endowing beds in Jerusalem, and contributing to the establishment of a new hospital in Nablus. Today, all proceeds from Guild events go directly to supporting the salaries of nurses in Gaza, who work tirelessly under some of the most challenging conditions in the world.
This year, the Guild celebrates its centenary, a testament to the dedication and commitment of its members in supporting the Eye Hospital and its life-changing work.
