People

We have eight trustees whose ages range between 33 – 64 years and all are actively involved in running the organisation and raising funds, along with volunteers. Our team of trustees and volunteers have a range of experience and skills in business administration, charity management, fund raising, accounts, information technology and other relevant areas. Trustees include childcare, medical, IT and management professionals; one is fluent in French and Spanish enabling us to translate our website so that it will reach a wider audience. Our familiarity with the charity sector means that we already have access to a network of advice and support to call upon if we need skills not covered by our members.

Jo Simpson (Founder, Chair)
Hello, My name is Jo Simpson, I'm the Manager of a residential placement for children with Autism in a special school. I also run a charity providing activities for children with special needs during the summer holidays along with my sister Amanda.

I visited Bwindi Rainforest in 2006 to trek mountain gorillas and was completely overawed to meet the children and people who work at the orphanage. They are all so enthusiastic and energetic, their singing and dancing performances are an amazing and enriching experience and I am glad that I have had the opportunity to visit the children again, and start this organisation. I had such fun staying in Uganda, and made some excellent friends. Hopefully we will be able to support the orphanage and help them build a better future for the local people.

Sian (Treasurer)
Information to follow

Pascale (secretary)
My name is Pascale Deltour, I am 36, I work as a Teaching Assistant in a Special School.

I am French but have been living in England for 10 years now.

I truly believe that we can make a difference in these children’s life with our charity, so thank you for giving a bit of your time to read about us.

Maria
Information to follow

Sue
Hi, I'm Sue. I'm nearly married with two children. My son, is 9 and my step daughter is 10 years old. I work as a day nursery manager, caring for children aged 2-5 years, this is a job I really enjoy and find very rewarding.

Most of my spare time I'm busy doing 'family stuff,' but any extra time I have is spent doing DIYand cooking. In the summer holidays I help out at North Wilts Holiday Club for children & young adults with special needs, this is the most fun packed and wonderful time and I look forward to it hugely every year.

I became a trustee because the stories and accounts of Jo's visits to Bwindi spurred me to want to help the children who so need a good start in life, and with everyone's support I believe we can make this happen for them.

Fiona
Information to follow

Geraldine
I am a retired teacher and sponsor. What make it so important and worthwhile to sponsor a child's education here, is that these are children who want to go to school but cannot because education has to be paid for. It seems a small price to pay to enable a child to go to school and have the chance of a better future.

David
Hello, I am married to Geraldine. I have recently retired from a career in I.T., which also included transnational responsibilities. When I was young, I was lucky to have educational opportunities that had not been available to my parents, which in turn influenced my career and life. I am pleased to be able contribute in some small way to enabling others to have a similar opportunity.


There are lots of other people helping out with fund raising, website-building, publicity etc.