Trustees

Our board of trustees come from a wide range of backgrounds. Take a look below to find out who our current board members are.

Like many voluntary sector organisations we recently held our AGM. Whilst it was an opportunity to celebrate Disability North’s successes, it was also a time for reflection.

 Earlier this year, a long standing trustee of the charity, Ruth Abrahams MBE, sadly passed away.
 
In 2016 we made a video with Ruth to be shown at our gala dinner and it is with pleasure that we are making this available to all. You can watch the video here: 

a tribute to Ruth whose legacy will live on at Disability North.

Trustees listing

  • Jamie Cairns ( 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…)

  • 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…)

  • Lucy Reynolds ( Vice Chair )

    Dr Lucy Reynolds PhD is a public speaker, academic researcher, blogger and advocate for disability rights.

    She has Cerebral Palsy and employs Personal Assistants in order to live independently and enjoys a very active and fulfilling life.

    Lucy is passionate about exploring, challenging and changing perceptions of through sharing the insights and knowledge gained from her PhD research and first-hand through her own experiences.

    Lucy also has her own blog: ‘We Are All Disabled’ (https://www.wearealldisabled.org). Her blog examines the perceptions and challenges of disabled people and the wider community in the context of these unprecedented times It is now becoming well established and has an extensive readership both in the UK and abroad (including the US, Australia and New Zealand).

    Lucy is keen to promote the voice of disabled people.

    Trustee Lucy-Reynolds

  • 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…)

  • Lucy Pritchard

    I have over 15 years’ experience in developing and delivering engagement and marketing strategy, working in both the voluntary and Higher Education sectors. I am passionate about person centred approaches, effective people management and innovation. (more…)