Meet The Trustees
Tim Culling
Tim first came to know about the Centre when he hosted a visit as a part of his role as trustee for Zurich Community Trust. From that first visit, he felt inspired to get involved; becoming a trustee in June 2014 and Chair of the Board later that year.
Tim comments: "Alongside the other fantastic people who volunteer for our charity, my fellow trustees and I basically do all that we can to ensure that the charity delivers on our charitable objects. The trustees have legal responsibility for ensuring that we’re well run and governed, and we take these responsibilities very seriously. For my part, I think that my career experience with Zurich, where I held many roles that involved governance and controls responsibilities, alongside my long-time as a trustee for Zurich Community Trust, enable me to bring relevant skills and insights into our organisation.
"None of what I might be able to bring, though, would make any kind of difference were it not for the fantastic trustee colleagues, CEO, staff team, volunteers and, of course, members who combine to make the culture in our charity one to be inspired by. And that’s what the Centre has given me - and will continue to give me long after my term as a trustee comes to an end: INSPIRATION!"
Amanda Saunders
Amanda first remembers coming to the Centre in the early 80s with her mum, who had MS and used the oxygen chamber. "The social support and friends she made were a huge part of her life," she says. Amanda joined as a Trustee in 2002, serving on the Board for the twenty years since.
In her final year of a BSc in Nutritional Science, Amanda is an accountant, and works for the MOD. As well as all the usual Trustee responsibilities, she is additionally accountable for safeguarding; incorporating culture, processes, and procedures (which may sound dull, but are a vital part of making sure everything is done properly to protect everyone). She has an unshakeable belief in fairness and inclusivity, that guide everything she does, as well as a "can do" attitude. Though her previous solo parachute jump to raise funds for the Centre tested even her resolve (and the vertigo probably didn't help either!) What a trooper!
Richard Hill
Richard first became involved with the Centre back in 2011, when he was asked for help with updating the charity business plan. He was struck by the amazing, supportive atmosphere and the range of therapies and activities that make such a difference to so many people. That, and the fact that a family member had been diagnosed with MS some years before, inspired him to want to do more, and he became a trustee shortly afterwards.
Richard joined Voluntary Action Swindon in 2015, later becoming the CEO there. Given VAS’s role as the ‘umbrella’ organisation for the voluntary and community sector in Swindon, this enables him to keep in touch with the Centre as part of his ‘day job’ too!
Wendy Iwajomo
Wendy began volunteering for the Centre after completing her Masters degree in Human Resource Management in 2010, and joined the Trustee Board in 2012. She currently works as a Business Manager with NERC (part of UK Research and Innovation). Alongside her general Trustee responsibilities, Wendy is charged with looking after our people (clients, volunteers and staff).
Simon Wells
Simon is a retired solicitor and spent much of his career working in-house for a large energy company; where his expertise included infrastructure planning and consenting, environmental issues (both locally and nationally), corporate law and litigation. As well as various managerial roles, he chaired a national industry committee and worked with Government on the introduction and implementation of infrastructure planning legislation.
Outside of work, Simon has been actively involved in a variety of voluntary sporting roles, chairing groups and captaining cricket teams at Club and County Seniors levels. He also sings in a variety of groups, primarily chamber choirs.
Simon joins the charity with personal experience of several neurological conditions, through his wider family.
