Board of Trustees
Jane Getley
Chair
About Me
I have been disabled most of my life with Polio and have always wanted to support disabled people and therefore feel privileged to be a trustee with Ruils. Working in the Telecoms industry for over 30 years, which has involved taking on roles within sales, service delivery, network support and project management has enabled me to develop many skill sets. My last main role was working for Surrey County Council implementing a project role across the borough for Adult Social Care. Travel has been one of my passions and I have been really fortunate to travel to many parts of the world, with Africa being my most favourite. I also love sport and manage to play wheelchair tennis on a regular basis, ever the optimist that I will win a match one day! Home is with Max the pug - 2 crazy Burmese cats and my daughter Isabella who is adopted from Guatemala and a feisty teenager!
Amber Debenham
Vice Chair
About Me
I have suffered from long term mental health issues as well as epilepsy and spinal issues. I have lived on the streets, sold the big issue and have fought for help at every stage my life. Joining Ruils as a Volunteer Befriender has changed my life, introducing me to the most amazing people who just like me love helping others. 2019 has been the best year of my life as the Volunteer Project Lead of "Bridging the Gap" designed to help people with Mental Health conditions, something I could not have done without their support, and which has given me so much more self-esteem and belief in myself. Most of my time is devoted to helping others, but I also enjoy art, crafting, gaming and collecting old London Market tokens.
Sian Bates
Vice Chair
About Me
I have been very privileged to be a Chairman in the NHS for the last 20 years and have had the opportunity to support the commissioning and delivery of health services in South West London. Being Chairman of Kingston Hospital and Hounslow & Richmond Community Trust allowed me to work with two skilled Boards and our extraordinary staff to deliver outstanding services to our population. Health services play a critical role in supporting the health and well being of people but I am only to aware that it is only one small part. I am deeply motivated and inspired by working with staff to deliver the best services possible. I have spent my whole working life ensuring that the life chances of people are supported. I value working in partnerships and collaborating with clients, patients and organisations to deliver quality services. I know I have a lot to learn in joining Ruils but I also hope that my skills will be of help in ensuring this wonderful organisation continues to thrive, deliver and develop to meet the ever changing demands and challenges.
Gareth Bubbins
Trustee
About Me
I worked at BT for nearly 40 years, mainly in Human Resources. After retiring in 2012, I wanted to become involved with charities supporting people with disabilities, and became chair of Taking Control, a local mental health charity which gave me my introduction to Ruils and an appreciation both of the great work that Ruils does and the talent and commitment of the people working for the charity. I also visit a residential home for people with learning disabilities , and drive people with mobility issues on an ad-hoc basis. I enjoy visiting the cinema and theatre, cycling, walking, cooking and supporting Brentford through thick but mainly thin.
Andrew Gairdner MBE
President
About Me
I am a chartered accountant with expansive experience of working in business and with charities throughout my career. Even at 75 years young, I continue to offer my expertise to charities and businesses and I am delighted to be on-board with Ruils. I served in the Royal Navy as an officer before embarking upon a career in accountancy. I served as an Honorary Steward at The All England Tennis Club for 35 years and as Chief Steward for 15 years until I finally retired in 2012. During this time, I worked closely with the Club to help improve facilities and access for disabled people. I have developed further empathy and insight through my close relationship with my nephew who suffered a spinal injury following a climbing accident 12 years ago. I was astounded but honoured to be appointed a MBE in the 2012 New Year’s Honours list. I am keen to bring my significant business experience and professional financial guidance to Ruils and help the Charity meet and overcome the challenges that inevitably lie ahead.
Bridget Molloy
Treasurer
About Me
I am a CIMA qualified accountant with experience gained in both the private and public sectors. I am keen to utilise my business and financial skills to support RUILS as its Treasurer and to help it develop and broaden the many valuable services it provides for its users and members. I have lived in Teddington for 17 years with my husband Sean. I enjoy travelling, spending time outdoors, baking and current affairs. I am also an auditor on a pro-bono basis for two local churches.
Debbie Bloud
Trustee
About Me
As a state registered nurse and midwife, Debbie has 21 years experience of the NHS. Her charity works includes 9 years as a volunteer for the Heart Foundation and the Baby Trust and other work experience that of an Administrative Secretary to a Barrister. Debbie has been in receipt of Direct Payments since 2004 and is a vocal advocate of the personal freedom and independence that the scheme offers.
Amanda Winterburn
Trustee
About Me
I became a wheelchair user after a life of camping, cycling and working in childcare. My passion lies in equipping people with the knowledge they require to shape their own lives by passing on the knowledge I have gained through work, personal experience and research. I have experience working with social services, Richmond CCG and Richmond Council. I have a wealth of knowledge, experience and understanding of Direct Payments; self directed support, children with additional needs, mental health, physical difficulties, palliative care and all issues surrounding being an employer. I prides myself in being reliable, trustworthy and trying my best at everything that she does. Through volunteering, I came to understand the values and work that is delivered by Ruils and I feel that my passions are enshrined within theirs. My interests include swimming, photography, travelling, having fun and watching Formula 1 motor racing.
Bryony Meteyard
Trustee
About Me
I have a background in working with people with learning disabilities, running projects that aim to use drama to solve problems in people’s lives as well as raise awareness of issues such as Disability Hate Crime. I have a disability myself, MS. My interests lie in using theatre as a tool for social change, to enable people to use their voice and as a platform for debate. It was through making a play that tells the real stories of disabled people and full-time carers, in partnership with Ruils, that I got to know the organisation. I believe in the values of Ruils and I care about the rights of people with disabilities. I hope I bring creativity and also political awareness to the role of trustee. I live in Teddington and I enjoy going to local parks and making use of leisure facilities.
David Prasher
Trustee
About Me
I currently work for a leading technology and research company where I work with business leaders and help them to transform their business by delivering strategic advice and guiding them on creating and executing their strategies that are underpinned by technology. Prior to that I spent most of his career based in Teddington and Twickenham working for Haymarket Media Group, where I was a member of the Group Executive team and a divisional Managing Director. It is this experience of working with boards and leadership teams that I hope to contribute to the Trustee board as Ruils continues to secure its future and deliver quality services. I’m a passionate believer in the benefits and solutions that can be delivered by locally created and governed services I live in Teddington with my wife and 3 children, aged 16, 14 and 11. I spend most of my spare time doing something related to sport. Either participating (not as much as I want), watching the efforts of my children or coaching a local boys’ team.
Richard Wilding
Trustee
About Me
I am the parent of two daughters, one of them disabled. My disabled daughter has been through the Richmond school system and is now transitioning to adult services. A number of years ago, I was a school governor at a special school in Kingston-upon-Thames and a member of Richmond’s parent carer forum and I continue to work in an ad hoc fashion with childrens and adult services in our borough to improve provision. As a result, I am knowledgeable about the Local Offer for children with special needs and I’m becoming familiar with local adult social care provision as well. My family has been active in fundraising for Ruils for over ten years and I’m very pleased to be able to increase my support by becoming a Ruils trustee. I passionately believe in the valuable work that Ruils does to support our local community and in the energy and enthusiasm of Ruils’ staff. My skills lie mainly in the legal, analytical, administrative and strategic areas and I hope that these will be of assistance to Ruils as it changes and grows. I began my career at an international organisation in Munich, Germany, where I worked for 8 years, before returning to the UK to work as a patent attorney. I was employed by a couple of well-known, multinational companies for about 15 years, before becoming self-employed in order to have the flexibility to care for our children and acquire a floppy-eared, golden spaniel called Zeppo. I enjoy an eclectic mix of pursuits, including cycling, hiking, accompanying Zeppo on his walks, cooking and reading depressing German novels.
Mary Harrison
Trustee
About Me
Prior to joining Ruils as a Trustee, I worked for the NHS, in the charity sector and have volunteered in various roles within social housing. I am also is an active member of the Richmond Coproduction Group. I discovered Ruils several years ago and have been involved with the “Bridging the Gap” project, a mental health resource and signposting guide. Despite the obstacles and challenges I have faced in my own life, I have found that with the right help and support I have been able to overcome them. I am delighted to use my knowledge and experience to enable Ruils to continue to deliver person centred services and activities to all client groups.