I was appointed to Young Epilepsy’s Board of Trustees in October 2020.
I’m a chartered accountant with more than 30 years of finance, risk and audit experience, in the public and private sectors. Since qualifying, I’ve worked for multinational corporations in the construction industry, consumer goods and professional services, in more than 100 countries.
These roles gave me broad experience of transformation and project management, finance and risk management, strategic management, governance, and internal and external audit.
Being diagnosed with epilepsy at an early age, I quickly recognised the challenges people with health conditions and their families can face, and how important life really is.
As a result, I’m passionate about diversity and inclusion, with a strong desire to raise awareness and to support people to discover their inner confidence. I’m determined to help create a society that understands epilepsy and allows children and young people to thrive and be themselves.
That’s why I decided to retire early and dedicate myself fully to supporting, in voluntary roles, the most vulnerable in our communities.
I’ve been Chair of the Disability Employee Support Network for the UK rail industry and am presently an Associate Non-Executive Director for Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust.
I am also Trustee and Chair of the Finance, Audit and Resources Committee for Ascent Academies’ Trust, which provides education and support for young people with special educational needs.
I’m a Member of Ethos Academy Trust, which provides alternative provision for young persons, a Trustee and Chair of the Audit and Risk Committee for Scope, Trustee and Chair of the Audit and Risk Committee for Camphill Village Trust, and Trustee and Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Champion for Epilepsy Action.
Outside of my voluntary work I love spending time with my husband, in particular trekking together through the beautiful Northumbrian countryside.