I have known Chris, Thomas’s mum, for more years than either of us care to remember. We met when we worked together in the hospitality industry, we worked very hard, laughed a lot and developed a firm and lasting friendship. In my day job I worked at a government research laboratory where I manage a commercial training and conference unit.  Prior to this I worked in further and higher education and managed EU funded projects.

In 2018 my workplace took on The Thomas Challenge – a TTF fundraising initiative to raise a £1,000 or more in 12 months.  The team really at work really got behind this challenge and raised over £5,000 holding everything from walks and cake sales to completing a group skydive.  Here is a film of the launch of the challenge at my then workplace in Buxton.  

I think supporting charities and fundraising is in my blood, just something my family did, and one of my earliest memories is of assembling British Legion poppies with my mum and then standing beside her with freezing feet selling them.  In 2010 it was much more personal when I was diagnosed with a rare cancer and with family support started my own charitable campaign.  

I have been on the TTF committee from day 1 and became a Trustee in 2021 when I retired.