Footprints

Our Charity Patron

Our Charity Patron is Richard Whitehead MBE, Paralympian and President of the Richard Whitehead Foundation. Richard is a Nottingham-born Paralympic athlete and has been our Charity Patron since 2018 and we are incredibly grateful for his support. Richard is a world record holder and motivational speaker who was born with a double through-knee congenital amputation. He developed a passion for sport at an early age and is an incredible advocate for people living with a disability and enabling potential and ambition.

Our Celebrity Ambassadors

Our brand new Celebrity Ambassadors bring energy, passion, inspiration and support to our charity, helping us to grow and develop.

Andrew Self

Andrew is the first of our Celebrity Ambassadors to be announced and is an award winning dancer, choreographer and competed in BBC One’s The Greatest Dancer. He also works part time at a hairdressers and dance studio, and is an ambassador for Mencap. Find out more about Andrew and why we're so thrilled he's joined our wider team.

Andrew has been a fantastic supporter of our charity for a number of years, recently playing in The Footprints Cup, and we are thrilled for Andrew to now be officially part of our wider team.

Andrew is the first of our Celebrity Ambassadors to be brought on board, which is all part of our ambitious plan to grow our Nottingham based charity.

Andrew will bring his incredible energy and passion to Footprints, working alongside our Charity Patron Richard Whitehead and team of Champion Ambassadors.

Our Charity and Business Manager, Stephen said “We are delighted to welcome Andrew to the Footprints Team as our very first Celebrity Ambassador! Andrew will bring his infectious passion and energy for all aspects of life, including his dance, to Footprints and we can’t wait to start working with him.”

Let's find out more about Andrew...

How did you first find out about Footprints?
We were contacted on Twitter by Paul Brooks in April 2019 as he had seen Andrew on The Greatest Dancer and invited him to play in the Footprints Cup in July - we went with Sue and Tom - Andrew's friend who went up on stage on TGD!

What are you looking forward to the most being Footprints new Celebrity Ambassador?
Meeting different people and telling everyone about the great work Footprints do.

What are you happiest doing?
Dancing, eating and going in Dad's sports car!
What’s your favourite meal?
Chicken nuggets, burger, chips and roast gammon

What’s your favourite colour?
Red and blue - Crystal Palace!

If you were a superhero, what would your superpower be?
Love Spiderman so jumping from buildings and doing lots of tricks.

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Neil Back MBE

We are delighted to welcome Neil Back MBE to our charity team as our new Ambassador. Neil is a former international rugby union player for England, the British & Irish Lions, Nottingham RFC and Leicester Tigers, and captained both England and Leicester during his career. Find out more about Neil and why we're so thrilled he's joined our wider team.

Neil is a former international rugby union player for England, the British & Irish Lions, Nottingham RFC and Leicester Tigers, and captained both England and Leicester during his career. We're thrilled to have Neil on board, who brings his commitment and energy to Footprints,

Following World Cup victory with England in 2003, Neil became a coach at Leicester Tigers until he retired from sport, following an illustrious 17-year first class playing career.

We're thrilled to have Neil on board, who brings his commitment and energy to Footprints, working alongside our Charity Patron Richard Whitehead MBE and our existing team of Champion and Celebrity Ambassadors.

Our Chair of the Board of Trustees, Rob Evans, said “we’re thrilled to welcome Neil to the Footprints team as one of our Ambassadors. Neil brings his impressive passion and energy for all aspects of his life, including the world of sport, to our charity and we’re so pleased he will be supporting us. By working with Neil, we hope to ensure more people know about Footprints, we can reach more families and form new partnerships.”

Let's find out more about Neil...

How did you first find out about Footprints?
A business colleague and good friend introduced me to Footprints. After a visit to the Nottingham centre where I was able to witness firsthand the invaluable help and support that is offered, I knew instantly that Footprints was a charity I’d like to be involved with.

What are you looking forward to the most being one of Footprints’ Ambassadors?
I’m looking forward to help raise the profile of Footprints through my business platform and social media.

What are you happiest doing?
Spending time with my family and walking our two dogs.

What has been your greatest achievement?
Aside from marrying my wife of 25 years, I would say winning the Rugby World Cup in 2003 came a close second.

If you were a superhero, what would your superpower be?
To enable everyone to be the very best they can be.

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Pat Lally

We're thrilled to welcome Pat Lally to our charity team as our newest Celebrity Ambassador. Pat is an actor and voice over artist from Manchester, and has appeared in many films, theatre productions and TV programmes. Pat has supported Footprints for a number of years, so find out more about Pat and his fantastic support.

Pat has appeared in many films, theatre productions and TV programmes, including Bohemian Rhapsody, Coronation Street, Emmerdale and Hollyoaks. Pat has supported Footprints for a number of years, including being part of Team Footprints FC charity football matches, and supporting our charity and services

We're so excited to have Pat on board, who brings his commitment and energy to Footprints, working alongside our Charity Patron Richard Whitehead MBE and our existing team of Champion, Celebrity and Young Ambassadors.

This announcement forms part of our ambitious plan to grow our Nottingham based charity, enabling us to work with and provide more support to children living with communication and mobility difficulties across the East Midlands, as well as empowering and supporting their families.

It also comes at a very exciting time following our recent announcement, that we will soon be relocating our charity to the new Footprints Centre in Clifton and starting the transformation.

Our Business and Charity Manager Stephen Frew, said “we’re so pleased to welcome Pat to the Footprints team as our newest Celebrity Ambassador, especially at such an exciting time for us and everyone we’re connected to.

Pat brings his experience and network to our charity and we’re so pleased he will be supporting us. By working with Pat, and our fantastic team of ambassadors, we will ensure more people know about Footprints, we can reach more families and form new partnerships.”

Let's find out more about Pat...
How did you first find out about Footprints?
My first introduction to Footprints was by way of Champion Ambassador Lisa Fox and also Max Hayes, for the charity Team Footprints football match in 2023. Once I was asked to take part-without hesitation my instant response was "absolutely!!"

What are you looking forward to the most being one of Footprints’ Ambassadors?
My family ties are incredibly deep here in Nottingham (my spiritual home) having spent much time here since the early 80's. So to represent Footprints as an ambassador is an honour and a privilege.

I'm looking forward to raising awareness on my available platforms, and very much looking forward to establishing a cumulative and prosperous partnership.

What are you happiest doing?
I'm happiest spending time with my family, exercising, reading and looking after my fruit and veg garden!

What has been your greatest achievement?
My proudest achievements would have to be alongside my adorable wife, raising two wonderful girls, and working on a film that scooped 4 Oscar awards.

If you were a superhero, what would your superpower be?
If I was a superhero, my super power would be rid the world of hate, discrimination and racism..oh and to give Nottingham Forest a 3rd star...that might be two superpowers.

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Young Ambassadors

Our brand new Young Ambassador brings inspiration, energy and spirit to our team, helping us to raise awareness of our charity and inspiring our young people.

Scarlett Baumber

Scarlett is our first ever Young Ambassador and used to come to Footprints when she was younger. Now a teenager, Scarlett is excited about being one of our Ambassadors, helping to raise awareness of Footprints and eye gaze technology which she uses to communicate.

How did you first find out and get involved with Footprints?
When I was two, I started at Footprints in the Thursday morning group. I then attended the swimming group as well, I remember having lots of fun there, meeting other children and Erika's singing!

What are you looking forward to the most being Footprints new Young Ambassador?
I want to share my interests, fun activities, mental health awareness and health support.

What are you happiest doing?
I love to play games, go on adventures, listen to music and spend time with people who know me.

What’s your favourite meal?
My favourite foods are something from the fish and chip shop, Dominos, lasagne and cake.

What’s your favourite colour?
My favourite colours are pink and purple

If you were a superhero, what would your superpower be?
If I had superpowers, I would want to be able to talk to animals, and teleport. I cannot decide on just one!

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Our Champion Ambassadors

Our Champion Ambassadors represent us in their daily lives and are true advocates of our charity and what we do. We are so grateful for their ongoing help and support.

Lisa Fox

Lisa first became one of our Champion Ambassadors in 2017 after meeting and being inspired by one of our children at an event. Lisa then started the Little Footprints fundraising activity and continues to raise an amazing amount of money each year.

What led you to become an Ambassador at Footprints?
I met Logan in February 2016, who won me over with his cheeky smile, and his banter. Following that night, I went to visit School for Parents (as it was known then) and was blown away by the challenges being faced by the children and their families and wanted to help, just a little bit, so I embarked on this Little Footprints journey.

How long you have been an Ambassador?
I became an official ambassador in October 2017.

What's the most inspiring part of being an Ambassador?
The most inspiring part is knowing that my fundraising is helping families and children have access to this amazing service and being able to feel that they are not alone in their journey.

What are you happiest doing when you're not working?
Watching football and spending time with my kids!

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Lucie Gregory

Lucie is our newest Champion Ambassador and attends our gym club service with her youngest son. Lucie also used to work in the team and is committed to raising money and awareness, to ensure current and future families are supported and looked after for many years to come.

What led you to become an Ambassador at Footprints?
I have been bringing my son Matthew to Footprints for about 7 years and I started volunteering in the office while he was at nursery. This led to becoming employed by Footprints and I worked in the office helping with admin, fundraising and grants and all sorts! It was a very varied 5 years working there and I loved it.

Once Matthew started school it was more difficult to work during school holidays and I needed a bit of a break and to concentrate on Matthew. It turns out that I didn't like not working though, so I got a job in a local school office part time, so I could be around in the school holidays and there wasn't any weekend or evening work involved.

Working for a charity that is close to your heart makes it hard to stop working because you want to do all you can to raise money and awareness for them. I also realised I missed it too much so asked if I could become an ambassador so I can still get involved and help when I am able to.

How long you have been an Ambassador?
Since February 2023!

What’s the most inspiring part of being an Ambassador?
I always had lots of ideas and really want to see the charity grow and become even better than it is now. I want to be part of the change that I think will be coming, which will see better premises, more families getting the support they need, different kinds of support, more equipment etc. I think it has scope to be a massive centre of excellence in the East Midlands and I'd love to help make that happen. I will do as much as I am able to ensure current and future families are well supported and looked after for many years to come.

What are you happiest doing when you’re not working?
I love all kinds of music and sing in a local choir, and try to go to the cinema and theatre as much as possible. And of course when I’m not at work I love to spend time with my family outdoors and see friends as much as possible.

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Len Simmonds

Len is our longest standing Champion Ambassador and has been working and sharing his expertise with us since 2011. Len is inspired by knowing the difference our charity and the work we do makes to the daily lives of our children, their siblings and parents.

What led you to become an Ambassador at Footprints?
I visited what was then School for Parents and saw first-hand how people’s lives were being transformed through a dedicated team. Support was wanted in a number of skills set areas, so with the trustees, I encouraged a number of people to become the founding ambassadors.

How long you have been an Ambassador?
I think it was about 2011/12 that I became an ambassador.

What’s the most inspiring part of being an Ambassador?
Being exposed to trustees, teachers and parents that are so committed to developing the skills children need to thrive and achieve their potential - and hearing of the difference all this makes to the daily lives of the children, their siblings and parents.

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Sarah Vearnals

Sarah used to bring her youngest son to our Conductive Education sessions, once worked in the office and became one of our Champion Ambassadors in 2019. Sarah is a dedicated advocate for us, championing our charity in everything she does.

What led you to become an Ambassador at Footprints?
We started at Footprints back in 2012 when my youngest son Luca was just 22 months old - he’s nearly 13 now. Our time spent in sessions in those early years was invaluable to us - the fact that we attended classes each week and watching him progress so quickly as we got to grips with the sessions.

After Luca started school, I began to work at Footprints - raising the profile of the charity and awareness of the work we do among health professionals and networking with other local organisations (with fundraising thrown in the mix too!). I now work part time in a local special school and love it as it fits around family life.

How long you have been an Ambassador?
I’ve been an ambassador since January 2019.

What’s the most inspiring part of being an Ambassador?
Luca took his first independent steps whilst in a session at Footprints, a special moment that we will remember forever - that’s why Footprints is so precious to us. Being a Champion Ambassador means that I can help raise awareness of the charity, as well as fundraising, so more families can have special moments with their children, just like Luca’s.

What are you happiest doing when you’re not working?
Spending time with my little family.

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Footprints Staff Team

Stephen Frew
Business and Charity Manager

Stephen joined the Footprints Team in August 2022 and brings a lifetime of understanding the effects of disability to the role and charity, along with his passion for holistic education.

What led you to your current role?
A lifetime understanding the effects of disability, paired with a passion for holistic education, and desire to use all the skills I've acquired in my career in the management industry and compliance, into one role.

What’s the most inspiring part of your job?
Seeing the potential to change the lives of children, families and beyond.

How long have you worked at Footprints?
Since August 2022.

What are you happiest doing when you’re not working?
I love cooking and sitting down with the family for a meal, we make quite the feast!

What’s your favourite meal?
It would be a bhindi dish, which contains okra - I love spicy food!

Do you have any pets?
We have a dog called Pumba and snake called Dazzle.

What destination do you hope to visit in the future?
I would love to see icebergs before they don’t exist any more, so the Arctic Circle or Canada.

If you were a superhero, what would your superpower be?
I would have puncture resistance on my wheelchairs!

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Josie Park
Head of Income & Fundraising

Josie is our newest member of the team and joined Footprints in January 2023. She brings over ten years of fundraising experience to our charity, accompanied with an ongoing passion to change lives.

What led you to your current role?
I’ve always wanted a career where I was able to help others and I have been lucky to have been fundraising for over a decade. The work Footprints does is so important, I’m grateful and excited to be part of something that has such an impact on people’s lives, and growing Footprints to increase the support available for children and families.

How long have you worked at Footprints?
Since January 2023.

What are you happiest doing when you’re not working?
I’m a people person, so anything and everything where I get to spend quality time with the people in my life! I love a picnic on a sunny day.

What’s your favourite meal?
I’m an enormous fan of bread and cheese!

Do you have any pets?
I have a French bulldog called Thyra, she’s now one and is still a big puppy!

What destination do you hope to visit in the future?
So many, but I’d love to go to Svalbard to see the Northern lights and polar bears.

If you were a superhero, what would your superpower be?
I watched ‘Bernard’s Watch’ as a child, (for those that haven’t seen it, he has a watch which pauses time) since then I’ve always wanted to be able to pause time!

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Claire Clarkson
Head of Communication

Claire started volunteering in our office in 2021 and officially joined the team in 2022, bringing her experience and background in communcations to the role and our charity.

What led you to your current role?
I started volunteering at Footprints in 2021, after an extended career break to have my two boys. In March 2022 I officially joined the team and haven’t looked back since! I'd known about the charity and their amazing work for a long time and enjoyed volunteering in the office so much, so was thrilled to move into the communcations role, which is my background.

What’s the most inspiring part of your job?
Seeing our children’s amazing achievements and the families devotion and love. It brings me great joy to share our children's achievements across our social media channels, raising awareness of our charity and our transformational work.

How long have you worked at Footprints?
I started volunteering in June 2021 in the office and officially joined the team in March 2022.

What are you happiest doing when you’re not working?
Spending time with my family, reading and going to the theatre as often as I can!

What’s your favourite meal?
Vegetarian Indian paneer curry, lots of rice and naan bread.

Do you have any pets?
No, my two boys are enough to look after!

What destination do you hope to visit in the future?
I’d love to go back to New York, one visit isn’t enough to capture all of the sights.

If you were a superhero, what would your superpower be?
I’d love to be able to clone myself, there never seems to be enough time to do and see everything I’d like to!

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Erika Juhasz
Head of Service

Erika is our Head of Service and heads up our Education Team. Erika has been with Footprints for over 22 years and her absolute passion is to work with children and families to explore their potential for learning.

What led you to your current role?
I started working as a Specialist Team Member as a newly qualified Conductor in 2002, working at was then Rutland House School and School for Parents. My passion is to work with families and supporting everyone to recognise and explore their potential for learning - both children and their parents/main carer.

After a year and a half of working as the Team Leader of the Parent and Child services at the PACE Centre in Aylesbury, I returned to School for Parents as a Manager in 2009. Having recognised that this role was taking me away from the groups, I was keen to return to my teaching role as a Lead Conductor (I can’t remember the year!) and became the Head of Service in 2021.

What’s the most inspiring part of your job?
The most inspiring part of my job is helping people to realise that their potential is limitless and seeing people achieving new things beyond what they previously believed to be possible.

How long have you worked at Footprints?
I initially started in 2002, then went to work for a similar charity 2007-2009, before re-joining SFP in March 2009.

What are you happiest doing when you’re not working?
Spending time with my son Jack and exploring the outdoors (walking, running, cycling).

What’s your favourite meal?
This is a tough one, I love everything! Probably my mum’s roast duck.

Do you have any pets?
A 16 years old cat - Leelu Dallas.

What destination do you hope to visit in the future?
Galapagos Islands!

If you were a superhero, what would your superpower be?
Making everyone feel loved.

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Amanda Longley
Business Support Officer

Joining our charity in October 2021, Amanda is our Business Support Officer and manages the office and its operations. She is often the first smiling face our children and families see when they arrive for sessions!

What led you to your current role?
I was looking for a rewarding job where I could utilise my skills and a job that was closer to home due to family circumstances. I’d never heard of Footprints but have not looked back since my interview when I had the privilege to peek in the classroom and see the magic that happens in sessions. I have never felt so emotional at a job interview and wanted a job so much.

What’s the most inspiring part of your job?
Seeing the children progress and the reactions from the parents/carers (and staff!) when their child achieves a milestone that they didn’t know if they would ever be able to do, tears all round!

How long have you worked at Footprints?
I joined the charity in October 2021.

What are you happiest doing when you’re not working?
Walking with the dog in the local area, I’m lucky to be a short drive from Colwick Park and Netherfield Lagoons, and spending precious time with family and friends.

What’s your favourite meal?
Is chocolate a meal? Joking, or am I?! I love lots of things, a nice thai green or red curry, chilli or a pasta dish.

Do you have any pets?
I have a miniature Dachshund, anyone that knows me, knows I’m dog mad!

What destination do you hope to visit in the future?
I’ve not had a holiday for a long time, so anywhere in the UK near a sandy beach (dog friendly of course) would do me. Further afield, I would really like to visit Australia and New Zealand.

If you were a superhero, what would your superpower be?
Possibly invisibility, so I could assist people without them knowing to give them confidence and self belief. And you could also be a bit naughty playing the occasional little joke to bring some joy and laughter!

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Kirsten Bairstow Robb
Conductor

Kirsten has worked at Footprints for over 10 years, after a newspaper advert enticed Kirsten to sign up for Conductive Education training in Hungary, and she continues to be inspired by our children.

What led you to your current role?
A succession of jobs in Conductive Education led me to this particular post. Originally, I started my career in CE through an advert in the newspaper.

What’s the most inspiring part of your job?
Seeing the little ones discover that they can do something by themselves.

How long have you worked at Footprints?
Almost 10 years.

What are you happiest doing when you’re not working?
Riding my bike with friends and stopping off for coffee and cake.

What’s your favourite meal?
Any Thai food - I love the combination of sweet, sour and spicy.

Do you have any pets?
No I have no room for pets! Having had 5 boys, that was enough of a responsibility for me.

What destination do you hope to visit in the future?
This year I am hoping to visit northern Macedonia and Albania for a cycle tour. Really, I love travelling and would be happy to visit most places.

If you were a superhero, what would your superpower be?
Maybe it would be the ability to recall any useful information or even just my passwords would be a start!

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Karen Whitehall
Conductor

Karen is our longest serving team member, having been at Footprints for over 32 years! Starting as a college placement, Karen continues to be inspired by seeing our children achieve.

What led you to your current role?
I first joined the service in 1991 as a student, whilst completing a college placement and my heart just kept me here!

What’s the most inspiring part of your job?
I continue to be inspired by seeing our children achieve.

How long have you worked at Footprints?
31 years!

What are you happiest doing when you’re not working?
I'm happiest being with family, going for walks and to the gym.

What’s your favourite meal?
I love all food!

Do you have any pets?
Yes we have two cats, Harri and Bo, my littles sweeties

What destination do you hope to visit in the future?
I'd love to go anywhere warm with a pool/beach.

If you were a superhero, what would your superpower be?
I am happy being me.

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Becky Eve
Conductor

Becky joined our Education Team in January 2023, having recently completed the Multidisciplinary Conductor course which involved a visit to Footprints and becoming a newly qualified Conductor.

What led you to your current role?
My route in to Conductive Education (CE) has been an fun and exciting journey. Having worked abroad as an English teacher for three years, I came home to England with the idea that I wanted to combine my interests of education and experience of working with people with disabilities. I was fortunate to get the opportunity to come and see a session at Footprints and knew within the first few minutes I had a heart for CE.

I gained a place on the Multidisciplinary Conductor course and began working at Steps CE Centre in Loughborough. Since then I have continued my training at Paces school for CE. I have thoroughly enjoyed the journey so far, working with so many fantastic children! I am very excited to say I am now a qualified conductor. As well as this, I have recently become a mum to little Teddy! I am so excited to join the team at Footprints and meet so many more amazing children!

How long have you worked at Footprints?
Since January 2023.

What are you happiest doing when you’re not working?
I'm currently living a busy life being a mum and when I'm not doing that, I love wild swimming, baking and cooking for friends and family.

What’s your favourite meal?
My favourite meal is macaroni cheese. I love cheese!

Do you have any pets?
I have cat called Sophia who meows non stop!

What destination do you hope to visit in the future?
There's so many amazing places in the world, but I would have to say New Zealand.

If you were a superhero, what would your superpower be?
It would be brilliant to be able to fly everywhere and feel like a bird soaring in the sky!

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Jo Roberts
Conductor Assistant

Jo is our Conductor Assistant in the Education Team and joined Footprints in 2017. Jo works alongside our children and families, driven by their achievements and determination.

What led you to your current role?
I was inspired to look for a new challenge professionally when my son was planning to go university in 2016. Seeing him on his journey inspired me to find my own new path to follow.

What’s the most inspiring part of your job?
I am honestly inspired every day by the achievements and determination of the wonderful children and families I have the privilege to work with.

How long have you worked at Footprints?
April 2017.

What are you happiest doing when you’re not working?
Swimming or walking in the countryside.

What’s your favourite meal?
Anything veggie!

Do you have any pets?
We have a black cat called Benson.

What destination do you hope to visit in the future?
I would love to cruise the Fjords in Norway.

If you were a superhero, what would your superpower be?
My 10 year old nephew has convinced me it would be amazing to be able to teleport to other places and time zones! Obviously I have to be able to take Zac too!

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Miriam Rutherford
Speech Coordinator

Miriam attended our centre with her son, and started volunteering in the classroom. Over 10 years on, Miriam is our Speech Coordinator and works with primary aged children who live with Down Syndrome.

What led you to your current role?
My son Joseph had attended the pre-school and they were asking for volunteers. I started as a volunteer in approximately 2013. After a while I was employed as a sessional worker in the pre-school, I was then asked to do the Symbol UK speech training so I could deliver speech sessions to primary aged children living with Down Syndrome on a Monday.

What’s the most inspiring part of your job?
Working with the children and trying to inspire them to engage with the activity to help improve their speech.

How long have you worked at Footprints?
Approximately 10 years - I think!

What are you happiest doing when you’re not working?
Spending time with my family. Going on holiday. Socialising with friends. Going to the theatre and cinema.

What’s your favourite meal?
I love most foods and don’t really have a favourite. I’m not particularly keen on cooking but luckily my husband’s happy to cook most of the time now.

Do you have any pets?
We have a black Netherland Dwarf rabbit called Magic who lives outside. He used to have a friend called Flopsy, who was a white mini lop, but unfortunately she mysteriously disappeared last year. We were all devasted apart from my husband, who doesn’t really do animals.

What destination do you hope to visit in the future?
I’m lucky enough to have done a fair bit of travelling in the past before I had a family. I love any sort of holiday really whether it’s in this country or abroad. I would love to do an Egyptian cruise again and holiday somewhere like the Maldives with pure white sand, palm trees and beautiful blue sea. With children or without?! Tricky one!

If you were a superhero, what would your superpower be?
To bring peace and well being to the world, but I’m not quite sure how.

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Teresa Pilkington
Support Volunteer

Teresa is from Inhouse Corporate Services, one of our charity partners who sponsor a space for a family each month. We're thrilled Teresa has joined our team, and she will be volunteering one day a week with us, providing her expertise and experience.

What led you to become a volunteer at Footprints?
To dedicate my time in helping others and I will also find it hugely rewarding.

What are you looking forward to by being a volunteer?
I’m really excited about volunteering for Footprints in helping in every way I can, with fundraising events and most importantly watching the charity grow.

What are you happiest doing when you’re not working?
Spending time with my amazing family and friends and making great memories.

What’s your favourite meal?
I love Italian food and strong cheeses.

Do you have any pets?
I don’t have any pets, but my daughter has a French bulldog called Nellie who is four years old, and I love her to bits, especially when she comes over and stays with me!

If you were a superhero, what would your superpower be?
My superpower would be healing.

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Jo Powell
Support Volunteer

Jo comes to our Conductive Education sessions with her son, supports us with fundraising and events, and we're thrilled she's joined our team as a volunteer. Jo will be working in our support services team, supporting and coordinating our volunteers, as well as helping to run events.

What led you to become a volunteer at Footprints?
My son Tom has been attending Footprints for a few years now, after struggling to get help from the usual sources and beginning to think there was no help out there, finding Footprints changed our lives. The weekly sessions haven’t just helped Tom with his mobility and communication, they have helped me learn how to help him outside of the sessions, and given me the confidence to believe he will get there because we aren’t on our own.

What are you looking forward to by being a volunteer?
I realised just telling people how wonderful Footprints are wasn’t enough, I needed to do more to repay them for everything they have given Tom and I. The feeling of helping out at a Footprints event, whether that’s being a marshall at the Marathon, baking cakes and serving cups of tea or completing the Tough Mudder is such an endorphin rush, but the thought of being part of helping Footprints grow and be there to help more families like ours in the future just feels right.

What are you happiest doing when you’re not working?
I’ve always loved to bake, well if I’m honest I prefer decorating the cakes more than baking them! Although at the ripe old age of 49 and as part of getting fit for the Tough Mudder (so something else to be thankful to Footprints for), I discovered a love for exercise.

What’s your favourite meal?
My favourite meal is steak, jacket spud with lots of mushrooms and salad.

Do you have any pets?
We have a 10 year old rescue dog, we got him when he was 6 months old, and he and Tom get into mischief.

What destination do you hope to visit in the future?
I want to go see the Northen Lights in Finland, but it’s so cold there and I’m not a fan of the cold!

If you were a superhero, what would your superpower be?
If I were a superhero I’d want my power to be mindreading.

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Shellie Warner
Events Volunteer

Shellie comes to our Conductive Education sessions with her son, and we're thrilled she's joined Footprints as a volunteer. She will be working in our support services team and will be helping us to plan and run events, and reaching out to companies for raffle prizes. Shellie's also signed up to do a skydive for us too!

What led you to become a volunteer at Footprints?
My son attends Footprints and I was so impressed with how much work they all do to help him, that I wanted to know how I could give something back. I had a lot of experience with events coordination in previous jobs, so it was a match made in heaven when the team were looking for someone to help with events!

What are you looking forward to by being a volunteer?
Meeting all the lovely parents and being able to build good relationships with them at our events!

What are you happiest doing when you’re not working?
When I’m not working, I love spending time with my baby boy Adonis! We go to soft play quite often and explore different play centres!

What’s your favourite meal?
Gyoza - more of a side but they are my all time favourite things to eat! You can actually put anything in a gyoza and it will taste great!

Do you have any pets?
No pets right now, I have too much to handle with my husband and son!

What destination do you hope to visit in the future?
Japan, it’s our dream trip as a family to soak up the culture and eat some amazing food!

If you were a superhero, what would your superpower be?
I would love to have the power to teleport anywhere in the world! Travel is so expensive and difficult but I would love to be able to explore more places. I think that being able to teleport and skip the traffic would be a great bonus too.

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Our Trustees

United through their involvement, our Board of Trustees create positive change in the lives of children living with mobility and communications difficulties and their families.

Rob Evans
Chair

Rob was a supporter for a number of years, before becoming a Trustee in 2021, and in July 2023 became our new Chair of the Board of Trustees. Rob thrives on being part of an amazing team who give their whole lives to such an amazing cause.

What led you to become a Trustee at Footprints?
I was a supporter through a Footprints ambassador and I saw the advert for a trustee and I wanted to give more, so I applied.

How long you have been a Trustee?
Since 2021 and I'm thrilled to have become the new Chair of the Board of Trustees in July 2023.

What’s the most inspiring part of being a Trustee?
Knowing the end result of work we do, being part of an amazing team who give their whole lives to such an amazing cause.

What do you do outside of being a Trustee?
I'm employed as Sales Director for a communications company.

What are you happiest doing when you’re not working?
Exercise - generally walking my dog, swimming or cycling.

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Richard Andrews
Vice Chair

Richard has been one of our Trustees for over three years and is currently the Vice Chair of our Board of Trustees. He is inspired by our education team recognising and developing the potential of the children and families we support.

What led you to become a Trustee at Footprints?
I lived next door to the parents of two children living with Down Syndrome for many years. I could see first hand what difference support could make to both the children and the parents.

How long you have been a Trustee?
I have been a trustee at Footprints for two years.

What’s the most inspiring part of being a Trustee?
I am inspired by seeing educators within Footprints recognise and develop the potential of the children we educate and guide parents through their challenges.

What do you do outside of being a Trustee?
My primary focus is on coaching teams and individuals.

What are you happiest doing when you’re not working?
My wife Wendy and I are season ticket holders at Manchester United, and we also enjoy long walks in the countryside with Pippin, our dog and with a camera around my neck.

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Ryan Clarkson
Treasurer

Ryan became one of our Trustees and our new Treasurer in November 2023, and is thrilled to have joined the Footprints team and be a part of our growth and development. Ryan brings his finance skills and experience, along with his energy and commitment to our charity.

What led you to become a Trustee at Footprints?
I've known about the charity and the amazing work Footprints does for a little while, and the more I chatted to people in the team, the more I wanted to be a part of the charity and join the Board of Trustees.

What are you looking forward to by being a Trustee?
Bringing my financial experience and skills to Footprints, and being part of growing the charity and providing more of our transformative services to the children and families we support. I'm thrilled to be joining such a strong and committed charity team.

What do you do outside of being a Trustee?
I'm currently the Head of Financial Planning for the Civil Aerospace Business of Rolls Royce, the Aerospace and Defence company based in Derby. I’ve held a number of finance leadership roles in the 14 years I've been at Rolls Royce, and qualified as a Chartered Accountant at PriceWaterhouseCoopers in 2007.

What are you happiest doing when you’re not working?
Spending time with my wife and our two boys, going out for meals, nice (hopefully sunny!) holidays and experiencing new adventures together.

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Helena Bee
Trustee

We welcomed Helena as a Trustee in November 2023 and she is so pleased to be part of our team and charity. Helena is a solicitor in the East Midlands and has her own personal connection to disability and accessibility, and is passionate about children fulfilling their potential.

What led you to become a Trustee at Footprints?
Being the parent of a child with a disability, I know how valuable the support that families receive from Footprints really is, and I'm keen to be a part of such an amazing team.

What are you looking forward to by being a Trustee?
As clichéd as it may sound, I'm looking forward to being able to play a small role in making a difference to the families and children we support. The work of the team is fantastic and I'm proud to be a part of it.

What do you do outside of being a Trustee?
I am a Principal Solicitor for an in-house legal team working across the East Midlands, I am also a mum to 2 primary school aged children.

What are you happiest doing when you’re not working?
l love to travel, go on adventures with my family and try to get out on my stand-up paddleboard as much as I can!

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Alex Clark
Trustee

We welcomed Alex as a Trustee in May 2024, and he is passionate about this important role. Alex works in the IT sector with a background in IT Consultancy and Software Development, and brings his IT, management and team working skills to Footprints.

What led you to become a Trustee at Footprints?
As a parent myself and someone who is passionate about charity work, becoming a Trustee seemed like a great opportunity. The chance to contribute, even in the smallest way, to the growth and wellbeing of children living with disabilities resonated deeply with me.

What are you looking forward to by being a Trustee?
Bringing my IT experience and skills to Footprints, and being able to use these skills to play a small part in making a difference to the children and families that the charity supports.

What do you do outside of being a Trustee?
I work at Microsoft as a Cloud Solution Architect where I help companies make the most of their investments in Microsoft 365. I also get to work with some very cool new technology as part of this role which excites me.

What are you happiest doing when you’re not working?
When I'm not working, I can often be found doing one of my many hobbies which includes running, motorcycling, cycling, photography and recently I've been learning how to DJ!

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Nic Jepson
Trustee & Advisor Committee Chair

Nic works in the property and construction industry and has been one of our trustees for over five years. He became a trustee after a chance encounter and wanted to make a difference to the children and families we support.

What led you to become a Trustee at Footprints?
I was visiting a friend who was being nursed at end of life. One of his relatives asked me what I did for a living and I then asked her what she did. She happened to work for Footprints (School for Parents then), and then asked me if I would be interested in becoming a trustee. I knew about Conductive Education through some peripheral work that I did for Steps and so it was an easy reply….Yes!

How long you have been a Trustee?
Just over five years.

What’s the most inspiring part of being a Trustee?
Being able to make a difference. It is very humbling to sit in a class watching our wonderful team teaching the children and their families – it gives me a lump in my throat and to help in any way possible is a privilege.

What do you do outside of being a Trustee?
I have my own property consultancy company (InLine Property Consultants) dealing with sourcing land for residential development.

What are you happiest doing when you’re not working?
Skiing, riding a motorbike, cycling, walking and camping, photography and singing (Nottingham Hot Property and with a Ukelele band!)

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David Allum
Trustee Advisor

Dave was one of our Trustees from 2021, after his son started attending our weekly Conductive Education sessions, and is now a Trustee Advisor. Dave wanted to put something back into the charity and ensure the service provides for other children for years to come.

What led you to become a Trustee at Footprints?
My son is one of the youngest stroke survivors, having had one at 26 weeks in the womb. He has been left with a lot of complex medical needs and Footprints has helped him develop some of his skills that he has not been able to develop as quickly as he might otherwise. In particular, during the first lockdown, Footprints was one of the few services that was able to support and help us. I want to put something back into the charity and ensure that the service is provided for other children for years to come.

How long you have been a Trustee?
I have been a trustee since July 2021.

What’s the most inspiring part of being a Trustee?
Being able to add the experience of being a parent to the charity and see the progress that the children make – seeing the first steps being taken is definitely an inspiration!

What do you do outside of being a Trustee?
By profession I am an accountant working in practice, no two days are the same! Outside of work, my family are my world and we spend as much time making memories together as we can.

What are you happiest doing when you’re not working?
Being out in the fresh air and getting some exercise feels pretty good!

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Jenny Byrne
Trustee Advisor

Jenny's daughter lives with Down Syndrome and used to come to our Conductive Education sessions. Jenny wanted to give something back by first being a Trustee and then a Trustee Advisor, and to make sure other parents were supported in the same way they were.

What led you to become a Trustee at Footprints?
Our daughter Molly has Down Syndrome, and we were lucky enough to find out about Footprints when she was a baby. They supported us right through those early years, when everything was really difficult. We didn't know Molly had downs before she was born, and I was worried about her health and her future. I desperately wanted to be doing all that I possibly could to help and support her, but I didn't really know what I should be doing.

Then along came Footprints. Once a week I used to take Molly, and we would feel safe and supported - walking through the door was like coming home after a long difficult journey. I made friends who understood exactly how I felt, because they were in the same situation, and I now knew how to best help Molly at home because of the work we were doing at Footprints.

It's hard to put the love and support Footprints gave us into words, it was like a great big hug, it meant so much, and was a lifeline at a really difficult time. I wanted to give something back by being a trustee, and I wanted to make sure that other parents were able to be supported in the way that we were.

How long you have been a Trustee?
I've been a trustee for about 12 years now, and I've seen Footprints go through lots of changes, but the love and support that is given to the children and their families has never changed - that always remains at the heart of Footprints.

What’s the most inspiring part of being a Trustee?
The children. Meeting some of the new children, and following their achievements is without question the best bit!

What do you do outside of being a Trustee?
I work as a Family Senco - this means I work with secondary schools and their feeder primaries to support inclusion and develop provision for their children with special needs. It's obviously something very close to my heart, and despite all the problems with funding and the system, it's a job that I really enjoy.

What are you happiest doing when you’re not working?
I'm tempted to say sleeping, but I'll probably go for drawing or painting. I find it really calming and I always feel happy if I've been painting.

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Carole Luckwell
Trustee Advisor

Carole has been involved with Footprints since its inception, as she helped to set the school up in 1984. Carole is as committed to the charity as she was at the start, with priority always being the child and the family at the centre of the work.

What led you to become a Trustee at Footprints?
I have been involved with Footprints since its inception! I set it up with the physiotherapist (we were both employed at Rutland House School) in 1984. It was then called a pre-school nursery, then Scope (The Spastic Society then) re named it School for Parents as part of the contract with The Peto Centre in Budapest, to train 12 Conductors for The Spastic Society in 1990. Kirsten is one of those who was part of that cohort of trainee conductors.

How long you have been a Trustee?
I can't remember how long I've been a rustee! I was invited to be a Trustee by the board whose chair was Alan Barkley!

What’s the most inspiring part of being a Trustee?
Footprints and its team's priority has always had the child and the family at the centre of its work. The detailed planning and differentiation of the CE approach meets each individual child's needs.

It is fun and the parents are fully engaged in learning to support their own child, the group working is fundamental to all the participants.

What do you do outside of being a Trustee?
I enjoy cycling, cooking, gardening, travelling and reading.

What are you happiest doing when you’re not working?
I'm happiest when out in the countryside with members of my close family

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Max Hayes
Young Trustee

Max Hayes became our very first Young Trustee in October 2024, and we're delighted to have him as part of our team and to have joined the Young Trustees movement. Max has supported us for a number of years, runs a successful podcast and freelances at the BBC

How did you first find out about Footprints?
I first found out about Footprints through the charity Team Footprints football game which takes place, a good friend Lisa Fox introduced me to Paul Brooks who invited me down to interview players, staff and volunteers at the game. On arrival, I was greeted by Andrew Self whose inspirational personality encouraged me to get involved more with the charity.

What are you looking forward to the most being Footprints very first Young Trustee?
I’m looking forward to get to work with others, I’m a team player and like to work collaboratively on tasks and projects at hand. Also looking forward to learn more, every day is a school day and there’s some great people at Footprints who I hope to learn lots from.

What are you happiest doing?
I’m happiest running and spending time with family. It’s a cliché but life can get very busy so its nice to have downtime. I love my running as well, a sense of freedom and stops me talking for a few hours!

What has been your greatest achievement?
My greatest achievement has probably been career wise, winning an award for my journalistic work meant a lot. I’m also incredibly proud of recently working with the BBC and now becoming a proud trustee at Footprints!

If you were a superhero, what would your superpower be?
My super power would be to change the weather. I hate the winter!

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