Trustees

Trustees listing

• Sandra Wheatley ( Chair )

  After qualifying as a State Registered Nurse in 1977 I worked extensively within the NHS in the UK as well as SW Kenya.I was the Regional Nurse Specialist for those affected by Neural Tube Defects working with a National Charity specialising in this field.Due to the onset of MS full-time work was replaced with the opportunity to be involved more within the voluntary sector. I have been involved with Disability North since 1985 and was elected to the Board in 1992 and held the office of Vice Chair and Chair during the early 2000s. (more…)

• Jamie Cairns ( Vice Chair )

  With 10 years’ experience, I am highly experienced within the sport and education sector. I hold strategic responsibility for operational excellence and staffing throughout my organisation, Sporting Chance. I  have displayed a holistic approach to the management and development of young people and I hold their needs as paramount in the work that I do. (more…)

• Stuart Knox ( Treasurer )
• Rhys Thomas

  I grew up in Ecuador, Hertfordshire and South Wales before studying medicine and physiology in Bristol. I trained in medicine in the South West of England, and neurology and in South Wales and Melbourne, Australia. My research focus is on the causes and consequences of epilepsy. I joined Newcastle University in the summer of 2017 and I work as a Consultant Neurologist at the Royal Victoria Infirmary, where I am a ‘Learning Disability Champion’. (more…)

• Alison Blackburn

  I have been a chair for Newcastle Disability Forum since 2000 and a Trustee for Disability North since 2001. I worked for the majority of my career as a qualified nurse before taking ill health retirement at 40 due to a visual impairment and thus have an extensive knowledge and understanding of the third sector. (more…)

• Lucy Reynolds

  I am currently working on a Doctorate in the Representations of Disability in the British Press. My research promotes equality, choice and inclusion for disabled people. I have extensive knowledge of social model of disability to which I advocate. Previously, I have been an NHS Governor and I am also a trustee of a charity for Children Bringing Change.  (more…)

• David Pritchard

  I am the Marketing Manager at Sintons LLP, having joined the firm in September 2014.

  • I have over 17 years’ experience of working within the legal sector
  • I also have in-depth experience of marketing for such areas of law as Personal Injury, Private Client, Healthcare and Corporate & Commercial
  • My particular areas of interest are brand development, digital marketing and business development
  • I am an Affiliate of the Chartered Institute of Marketing and Associate of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (more…)
• Maria Hood

  I have spent the last 30+ years being involved with the voluntary/third sector as a volunteer, employee and trustee for many Local and National North East Charities. I have been actively involved in the development and delivery of both childrens and adult services mainly in Newcastle and Gateshead. I have always been an advocate of a person centred approach to empower individuals to take control of their lives. (more…)