Our Trustees

I have been disabled most of my life with Polio and have always wanted to support people with disabilities and therefore feel privileged to be a trustee with Ruils. Working in the Telecoms industry for over 30 years, which has involved taking on roles within sales, service delivery, network support and project management has enabled me to develop many skill sets. My last main role was working for Surrey County Council implementing a project role across the borough for Adult Social Care. Travel has been one of my passions and I have been really fortunate to travel to many parts of the world, with Africa being my most favorite. I also love sport and manage to play wheelchair tennis on a regular basis, ever the optimist that I will win a match one day! Home is with Max the pug – 2 crazy Burmese cats and my daughter Isabella who is adopted from Guatemala and a feisty teenager!

I have been very privileged to be a Chairman in the NHS for the last 20 years and have had the opportunity to support the commissioning and delivery of health services in South West London. Being Chairman of Kingston Hospital and Hounslow & Richmond Community Trust allowed me to work with two skilled Boards and our extraordinary staff to deliver outstanding services to our population. Health services play a critical role in supporting the health and well being of people but I am only to aware that it is only one small part. I am deeply motivated and inspired by working with staff to deliver the best services possible. I have spent my whole working life ensuring that the life chances of people are supported. I value working in partnerships and collaborating with clients, patients and organisations to deliver quality services. I know I have a lot to learn in joining Ruils but I also hope that my skills will be of help in ensuring this wonderful organisation continues to thrive, deliver and develop to meet the ever changing demands and challenges.

I have suffered from long term mental health issues as well as epilepsy and spinal issues. I have lived on the streets, sold the big issue and have fought for help at every stage my life. Joining Ruils as a Volunteer Befriender has changed my life, introducing me to the most amazing people who just like me love helping others. 2019 has been the best year of my life as the Volunteer Project Lead of “Bridging the Gap” designed to help people with Mental Health conditions, something I could not have done without their support, and which has given me so much more self-esteem and belief in myself. Most of my time is devoted to helping others, but I also enjoy art, crafting, gaming and collecting old London Market tokens.

I am a CIMA qualified accountant with experience gained in both the private and public sectors. I am keen to utilise my business and financial skills to support RUILS as its Treasurer and to help it develop and broaden the many valuable services it provides for its users and members. I have lived in Teddington for 17 years with my husband Sean. I enjoy travelling, spending time outdoors, baking and current affairs. I am also an auditor on a pro-bono basis for two local churches.

I am a chartered accountant with expansive experience of working in business and with charities throughout my career. Even at 75 years young, I continue to offer my expertise to charities and businesses and I am delighted to be on-board with Ruils. I served in the Royal Navy as an officer before embarking upon a career in accountancy. I served as an Honorary Steward at The All England Tennis Club for 35 years and as Chief Steward for 15 years until I finally retired in 2012. During this time, I worked closely with the Club to help improve facilities and access for disabled people. I have developed further empathy and insight through my close relationship with my nephew who suffered a spinal injury following a climbing accident 12 years ago. I was astounded but honoured to be appointed a MBE in the 2012 New Year’s Honours list. I am keen to bring my significant business experience and professional financial guidance to Ruils and help the Charity meet and overcome the challenges that inevitably lie ahead.

As a state registered nurse and midwife, Debbie has 21 years experience of the NHS. Her charity works includes 9 years as a volunteer for the Heart Foundation and the Baby Trust and other work experience that of an Administrative Secretary to a Barrister. Debbie has been in receipt of Direct Payments since 2004 and is a vocal advocate of the personal freedom and independence that the scheme offers.

I became a wheelchair user after a life of camping, cycling and working in childcare. My passion lies in equipping people with the knowledge they require to shape their own lives by passing on the knowledge I have gained through work, personal experience and research. I have experience working with social services, Richmond CCG and Richmond Council. I have a wealth of knowledge, experience and understanding of Direct Payments; self directed support, children with additional needs, mental health, physical difficulties, palliative care and all issues surrounding being an employer. I prides myself in being reliable, trustworthy and trying my best at everything that she does. Through volunteering, I came to understand the values and work that is delivered by Ruils and I feel that my passions are enshrined within theirs. My interests include swimming, photography, travelling, having fun and watching Formula 1 motor racing.

I have a background in working with people with learning disabilities, running projects that aim to use drama to solve problems in people’s lives as well as raise awareness of issues such as Disability Hate Crime. I have a disability myself, MS. My interests lie in using theatre as a tool for social change, to enable people to use their voice and as a platform for debate. It was through making a play that tells the real stories of disabled people and full-time carers, in partnership with Ruils, that I got to know the organisation. I believe in the values of Ruils and I care about the rights of people with disabilities. I hope I bring creativity and also political awareness to the role of trustee. I live in Teddington and I enjoy going to local parks and making use of leisure facilities.

I currently work for a leading technology and research company where I work with business leaders and help them to transform their business by delivering strategic advice and guiding them on creating and executing their strategies that are underpinned by technology. Prior to that I spent most of his career based in Teddington and Twickenham working for Haymarket Media Group, where I was a member of the Group Executive team and a divisional Managing Director. It is this experience of working with boards and leadership teams that I hope to contribute to the Trustee board as Ruils continues to secure its future and deliver quality services. I’m a passionate believer in the benefits and solutions that can be delivered by locally created and governed services I live in Teddington with my wife and 3 children, aged 16, 14 and 11. I spend most of my spare time doing something related to sport. Either participating (not as much as I want), watching the efforts of my children or coaching a local boys’ team.

Prior to joining Ruils as a Trustee, I worked for the NHS, in the charity sector and have volunteered in various roles within social housing. I am also is an active member of the Richmond Coproduction Group. I discovered Ruils several years ago and have been involved with the “Bridging the Gap” project, a mental health resource and signposting guide. Despite the obstacles and challenges I have faced in my own life, I have found that with the right help and support I have been able to overcome them. I am delighted to use my knowledge and experience to enable Ruils to continue to deliver person centred services and activities to all client groups.

I’m a communications leader with over 12 years’ experience across all areas of comms, from media to campaigns and strategy. I’ve worked in both the charity and Government sectors, and always aim to bring people together to drive action and change. I have lived with cerebral palsy all my life so try to use my lived experience to challenge the status quo and highlight both the barriers to inclusion and opportunities that are presented as part of everyday life that others sometimes take for granted. I have a real passion for making information and spaces accessible to all and am a strong believer in the ‘Nothing About us Without Us’ approach! I’ve lived in Teddington for many years and have first-hand experience of the support available to disabled people in the area, and the benefits this brings to the wider community. My hope is that, as a Trustee for Ruils, I can provide that support to those who need it and work with the whole organisation to empower people to live independently.

I have been a wheelchair user since February 2007 when I suffered a sub arachnoid haemorrhage. Originally from South Africa, I came to the UK in 2000 and started working in the Events Industry. I thrive on making things happen. I have enjoyed volunteering at Ruils and Richmond Aid as an Admin Volunteer for the past 14 years. I love reading books and have joined 2 book groups. I enjoy keeping up with what is going on in the World through newspapers and news websites. I also enjoy going to the theatre, cinema, exhibitions, art galleries and museums, photography and going to places for live performances. I enjoy enhancing people’s lives by suggesting places to go (that are accessible of course).