The Trustees

I have been involved as a trustee at the Toby Henderson Trust for several years and now act as joint Chair.  The initial impetus was the fact that our daughter had received support from the Trust ever since her autism diagnosis when she was just three (she’s 19 now) and acting as a trustee was a chance to do something to help the charity.  It has been immensely gratifying to see how the Trust has grown in the years since I first became involved and now provides vital support to many more children and young people and their families.

After working in the voluntary sector for a number of years, I have so much respect for the sector.  Joining the Board in 2016 was my way of giving back.  In that time, I have gained as much from the Toby Henderson Trust as I hope the team has from me.  I’m incredibly proud to be part of this small but mighty charity doing amazing things for autistic children, adults and their families.  I would encourage anyone to join the board or give their time to a cause close to them.

I really enjoy my role as one of the trustees.  I have been involved with the trust for the last 16 years since my son attended Friday afternoon sessions at the old barn site and have been a trustee for the last 6 years.  Having worked in the construction industry and ran various businesses for the last 30 years, I can help the trust with some of the skills and contacts I have made in this time.  The trustees compliment each other with their various skill sets and I enjoy being part of the team.  Most importantly though it gives me great pleasure and satisfaction to provide support to such a wonderful dedicated team at the trust and in a small way let them flourish at the amazing service and support they offer.  I’m proud to be associated with the trust.

I have really enjoyed being a trustee as the Toby Henderson Trust for just under three years now.  This has given me the opportunity to help shape and guide the charity’s work, ensuring that our services meet the evolving needs of children and families throughout the North East.  The trust provides crucial early intervention, family support and therapy services, all of which have a direct impact on the lives of autistic people.  By contributing to this cause, I have the privilege of making a real difference, seeing firsthand the positive changes we bring to families’ lives and being part of a dedicated team striving for a more inclusive society.

I was gratefully introduced to the Toby Henderson Trust around 20 years ago when my son Joe was diagnosed autistic.  The support he received at the time was invaluable not only to him but to us as a family.  After keeping in contact over the years I was honoured to be asked as a trustee 5 years ago.  The role gives me great satisfaction knowing how much the charity helps a lot more families around the North East (and sometimes afar).  I feel the trustees work well together as a team to make decisions for the benefit of the charity.

I come from a large corporate background with my roots firmly fixed in senior HR and OD management, owning my own successful company from 2004 supporting independent businesses and charities.  Now partially retired, my current business interests lie within the field of supporting individual businesses to reduce their monthly outgoings.  Originally from Oxford, I returned to the North East where I have been very actively involved in my adult autistic niece’s personal journey.  My decision to support TTHT as a Trustee is a complete ‘no brainer’ as I have huge regard for the Trust from the time my niece and the family received immeasurable support from them.