Meet the Board

Why I volunteer: Many, many years ago my step-daughter worked for Carer Support West Cumbria and she was a real advocate for its work – especially the Young Carers network. Fast forward a few years and 'Carers' was our charity of the year at work and a few years after that I discovered my good friend Linda Hewitt had become Chair! At that point I realised something kept bringing me back to Carer Support West Cumbria, so I decided to offer my support to Linda and the Board as a Trustee. What experience I bring to the role: I’ve been a Company Director for 12 years and along the way have picked up a few things on the governance, commercial and statutory responsibilities of the Board. But - I started out on the shop floor, leaving school at 16 and joining Sellafield as an apprentice; I like to think that I can connect with people from different backgrounds and get them to see how our organisation is worthy of their time and support.

Why I volunteer: Having worked in the NHS for 30 years, and then in the voluntary sector for 10 years, I know first-hand what a difference volunteers can make to an organisation and the people they are supporting. The majority of those 40+ years I worked in the community of West Cumbria, it is a truly special place to live and work and has given me so much. I feel it is now my time to give something back. What experience I bring to the role: I supported my dad, to care for my mam, for several years and saw first-hand the toll that had on him; I’ve also had many years working as a community nurse and palliative care nurse so I really do understand the impact caring can have on someone. I aim to bring that knowledge and understanding into the Trustee role. I was CEO at Hospice at Home West Cumbria for 7 years working with a Board of Trustees therefore I understand the importance of a good working relationship between the Chair and Chief Officer.

Why I volunteer: Throughout my career working in the third sector, I have championed the importance of standing up for people's rights and choices. I think that carers in particular are too often overlooked and their needs not considered. Bringing my own lived experience, I consider it an honour to represent the important carer-focussed work that this charity is committed to.