Meet the team
Jessie May is made up of dedicated professionals, big-hearted volunteers, and inspiring ambassadors.
Meet our dedicated team
Together, we help create moments of joy and memories for families to look back on when they need them most.
As a team of skilled professionals, we represent a community of families who’ve all walked a similar path.
As a result, we have a unique understanding of the heartache and the hope, as well as the value that simple moments of everyday joy can bring. Whether it’s a lovingly organised family event, a bereavement group, or a few hours of priceless free time for exhausted parents, we make the everyday impossible more possible.
The team
Senior Leadership Team
Daniel Cheeseman
CEO
Daniel has over twenty years’ experience working for charities supporting children, families, disability and equality. Before joining Jessie May as CEO in 2022, he led both the disability charity ‘Paul’s Place’ and LGBTQ+ charity ‘Switchboard.’ Throughout his career Daniel has made it his mission to make a difference to the lives of others. He believes in working with others collaboratively and in partnership to get things done and improve ways of doing things.
Outside of work, Daniel lives in Bristol with his partner and two rescue dogs and is a Trustee of Curzon Cinema and Clevedon Community Centre for the Arts and a ‘want-to-be’ runner.
“It is a privilege to be leading this amazing charity. Everyday, working with an amazing team of people, I am reminded just how much caring and the act of kindness can mean to others, even at the most difficult of times. I am passionate that as a children’s hospice, everything that we do is shaped by Jessie May children and families. We were started by a family, for children and families, and today children and families remain at the heart of everything we do.”
Andrea Choules
Director of Care and Quality
With 35 years’ experience as a Children’s and Adult Nurse, Andrea has joined the Jessie May Team with an enhanced professional portfolio, having worked in Clinical and Strategic Leadership positions within a range of acute and community settings.
Having trained at Great Ormond Street Hospital as a Children’s Nurse, Andrea has previously worked at Bristol Children’s Hospital focusing upon oncology care, complex medical needs and teenage years, before moving into community Public Health Nurse settings within areas of great diversity, health inequality and deprivation.
Andrea has worked as a Professional and Strategic Lead within Children’s services for several years across Bristol, North Somerset, South Gloucestershire, and Gloucester county areas and is passionate in representing and working with children, young people, parents and carers to direct the future of palliative care at local and national level.
Jessie May has always been close to her heart from the moment she attended a fund-raising event many years ago and heard about the amazing work that the Jessie May team do to support children, young people, and families through the best of times and the most difficult of times. Always with an eye on the Jessie May support experience, she is now delighted to become a member of the Jessie May family and is looking forward to meeting everyone.
Andrea’s ambition is to improve, develop and extend our care experience together in partnership.
Beccy Hussey
Director of Finance and Operations
Emma brings twelve years of experience in growing fundraising income and engagement at both national and local levels. Before joining Jessie May, she served as Head of Income Generation at Air Ambulances UK, where she led the fundraising and membership teams and collaborated with national partners such as Kwik Fit and Virgin Red.
With a strong passion for healthcare charities, Emma also sits on the Chartered Institute of Fundraising Special Interest Group for Health. Her primary goal is to ensure a positive experience for all supporters, donors, and event participants while maximising fundraising efforts. Emma is particularly passionate about long-term supporter engagement and fostering a culture of collaboration across teams.
Outside of work, Emma lives in Bristol, serves as the President of the Bristol Junior Chamber (2024–2025), and enjoys reading, the Bristol food scene and getting outdoors!
“I’m incredibly proud to have joined Jessie May leading the Fundraising and Communications team to drive fundraising and engagement across the Jessie May region. I’m looking forward to connecting with supporters, partners and stakeholders to drive awareness and raise vital funds for Jessie May and the families it supports.”
Emma Carter
Director of Income Generation and Engagement
Care Team
Steve Wiltshire
Nursing Care Lead
Steve has been a qualified nurse for almost 10 years (qualified in 2015). Before he worked at Jessie May, he was a staff nurse on the Paediatric Intensive Care Unit at Bristol Children’s Hospital. He always wanted to work with children who had complex care needs after a placement during his nursing training. He would have loved to have worked in the community from the moment he qualified, but there wasn’t a post available at the time. His time working in the Intensive Care Unit was so valuable, and provided him with the skills needed to confidently work in the community.
He joined Jessie May in November 2016, as a nurse providing visits to children and their families. He started off ‘out on the ground’, providing care to the children and supporting their families, which is the main part of our work at Jessie May. He has since moved on to become a Team Leader, where part of his role now is in planning the care and line management of the nurses.
“I do still get to go out and provide care, which is the best part of my job. I feel so privileged to be able to work for Jessie May and to provide this type of care to children and families when they really need it. I do also enjoy working on developing the Jessie May service and working in partnership with other services to improve the care of children with complex needs.”
Sam Micciche
Care Team Leader
Before joining Jessie May, Sam worked at the Bristol Children’s Hospital on the Renal Ward and PICU. She was passionate about supporting children with additional needs, and especially supporting children and young people with non-verbal communication to feel empowered during their time in hospital.
During her time there, she would always see families walking out the ward doors and wished that she could walk out there with them to help support them on the other side. She had heard about the support Jessie May nurses were able to give families at home, as well as in hospital, and jumped at the chance as soon as a position came up!
She started out on the Swindon and Wiltshire team, as the service opened in that area in 2016, and later transferred to the Bristol team, developing into a Care Team Leader after working across all areas.
Lois Cox
End of Life Team Leader
Andrew Sweetman
Jessie May Nurse
Andy qualified in 2007, and spent the first 6 years of his nursing career on the Paediatric Intensive Care Unit at Bristol Children’s Hospital. Having heard about Jessie May through the hospital, he joined the nursing team in 2013.
A multi-faceted role, his days see him caring for children with complex needs, in their own home and in the hospital. He is also involved in providing family support, including signposting to other services they may be able to access, and advocating for families in multi-professional meetings when trying to access further support.
“I work for Jessie May because of the privilege we have to be allowed to integrate into our families homes and lives.”
Andy is a big lover of music who is wholeheartedly obsessed with Prince, since the age of 13; he is an avid collector of his music and memorabilia. “It’s a love affair for me that I will take to my grave.” He also loves to cycle; he cycles to many of his family visits if he can.
Gemma Carpenter
Jessie May Nurse
Melody Liles
Jessie May Nurse – Swindon
Mel’s nursing career began in London; following completion of her training she remained and gained some valuable specialised paediatric nursing experience for a further 3 years. She then returned nearer to home and began working on the children’s unit in Swindon. During the 18 years she worked on the Unit, she nursed children with a wide range of medical, surgical conditions and children with chronic and acute conditions.
In 2017, she joined Jessie May where she now works as a nurse. During this time she has met loads of amazing families, and gotten to know, even better, some of the families she had previously supported on the ward.
“As a Mum myself, I know that the most precious gift we are given in life is our children, so to be trusted with the care of children with such complex needs, in the privacy of their own homes, is an absolute privilege and pleasure, and something that I will never take for granted.”
Charlotte Baker
Care Team Leader
Bryony Wilton
Nursing Assistant
Before she joined Jessie May, Bryony studied childcare at college and went on to work in a couple of nurseries; one of them being an on-site hospital nursery. She then started working for Jessie May in 2017.
As one of the Jessie May nurses, Bryony provides regular respite visits for the children and families that we support.
“I work for Jessie may as it’s a privilege to work alongside the children and their families. It’s so nice being able to support them when they really need it.”
Victoria Tarr
Jessie May Nurse
Victoria worked on the Adolescent Ward in Bristol Children’s Hospital for 7 years, with a keen interest in oncology care. She trained in the administration of chemotherapy and successfully completed two degree modules in Oncology. Other areas of practice included orthopaedics, surgical, respiratory, gastro, neuro, and mental health. The Adolescent Ward was multi-speciality and so she was lucky enough to see a huge variety of diagnosis and treatments delivered. Over the years she has developed a passion for tissue viability and wound care management.
After an incredible 7 years with the Adolescent Ward having made some of her best memories and friends she moved to Lighthouse Ward where she received comprehensive training and education for the care of renal children. She is trained to deliver haemodialysis and became an independent nurse prescriber through further university study. It was also on Lighthouse Ward that she undertook her first master module in physical assessment and clinical reasoning of paediatric patients. She was lucky enough to experience all aspects of renal care from dialysis to a ward based setting, and had a short secondment to community whereby she realised that community care was definitely an area of interest.
“Having a young daughter myself I really understand how precious our children are to us, and since joining Jessie May it is a huge privilege to be welcomed into families homes to care for their children. Coming out of a hospital environment after 10 years has been a big culture shock, however I absolutely love working in the community and for Jessie May.
Being a Jessie May nurse allows you to see the direct impact of providing respite care and how incredibly valuable the service is – I feel very lucky to be part of it.”
Tracy Steer
Nursing Assistant
Ashleigh Osmond
Jessie May Nurse
Ash’s nursing career started working at Southmead Hospital in NICU when she first qualified as a nurse. She then worked in BCH in ambulatory services on a ward called puzzle wood which is historically known as clinical investigation unit CIU; this is where children underwent investigations for allergies, or endocrine conditions and they would then give treatment to children to keep them in remission.
“I recently joined Jessie May in November as I really wanted to work in the community to help families and children at home; I really enjoying it and feel so proud to be part of the team.”
Ash loves playing rugby, badminton, and cold water swimming during winter. She’s a proud dog mom to Teddy, a 5-year-old cockapoo, enjoying walks, big parks, and beach days together.
Hannah Williams
Nursing team leader
Hi, I’m Hannah Williams. I am the new Team Leader for Jessie May across BSW (Banes, Swindon and Wiltshire). I qualified as a children’s nurse in 2006 and spent 12 years working on a busy children’s high dependency unit in Liverpool before moving down to Wiltshire in 2021. I have been working for the Children’s Continuing Care Team in Wiltshire since 2022. I am musical and enjoy singing and have recently got in to crystal art.
Lizzie Sim
Jessie May Nurse
Lizzie qualified as a nurse in 2011 and has worked in paediatric haematology and oncology ever since, gaining experience in both inpatient and outpatient settings. She began her career in Leicester before moving to Bristol, where she continued to support children and families facing complex health challenges.
Lizzie joined Jessie May in May and feels incredibly privileged to be part of a team that provides care in the comfort of families’ homes. For her, it is a joy to build meaningful relationships and offer support where it is often needed most.
Team around the Family
Caryn Davies
Head of Operations and TAF Manager
Alice Maillardet
Family Engagement Officer
Alice joins us with over 20 years of live event experience having worked on both corporate events and touring live music around the world. Most recently she re-trained as a funeral arranger where her attention to detail helped families say their best goodbyes.
This new role will see Alice bringing Jessie May families together and creating memorable events while building on the amazing work the Jessie May nurses do.
“I am really excited to be taking on this new role and the benefits it will bring to the families we support.”
Molly Holland
Family Support Worker
Hi, I’m Molly and I’m really excited to be joining Jessie May as a Family Support Worker. I’ve spent over ten years working in young people’s services as a dramatherapist, and I’m passionate about using creativity and care to support families. I live in North Bristol and in my spare time I love all things drama and film! I’m really looking forward to being part of the Jessie May team and getting to know everyone.
Samantha Radford
Family Liaison Officer
Michelle Green
Bereavement lead
Michelle is deeply committed to listening to service users and using their feedback to shape and improve services. This passion for truly hearing people and making sure they feel valued stems from her 22-year career as a Customer Service Manager, where she led a team of 22 contact centre advisors. She especially enjoyed supporting her team with soft skills training, coaching on telephone communication, and driving consistently high service standards across a national network of companies. One of her proudest achievements during this time was receiving an award for outstanding service.
After recovering from a short illness — and marking a milestone birthday — Michelle felt inspired to take a new direction in life. She began that journey with a one-way ticket to India, spending several months travelling and reflecting. Feeling renewed and with a fresh sense of purpose, she chose to pursue her long-standing passion for supporting people and using feedback to drive meaningful change. This led her to a career in the NHS, where she held roles within the Quality and Governance Team. There, she supported patients through difficult experiences, championed their voices within the organisation, and helped ensure feedback led to real improvements in care.
“Joining Jessie May as Bereavement Coordinator is a real privilege. I’m able to support families during some of their most difficult times, being there whenever and for as long as they need. Jessie May reflects my core values, and I feel honoured to work with such an incredible organisation. I’m inspired by all the people I’ve listened to over the years — whether on the phone, face to face, or during a reflective milestone birthday. I’m also currently studying part-time for a degree alongside my role, continuing my commitment to learning and personal growth.”
Chloe Shiner
Care Team Administrator
Fundraising and Communications Team
Iain Scott Moncrieff
Marketing & Digital Communications Officer
Iain is a creative communicator with a passion for design, art and toasted sandwiches.
His work experience centers around freelance graphic design and production in the creative sector, then when the opportunity with Jessie May arose, it was a chance to develop his creative communications, whilst doing a world of good at the same time.
“Working in the charity sector is a major driver – finally a chance to put my skills to good use! And I love people, it’s great to be working with a team once more. I’m proud to be part of a group that makes a difference every day.”
Jessica Richards
PR and Communications Officer
Jess grew up a country bumpkin, splitting her childhood between the Cotswolds and the Cornish coast. After starting her career in London with a corporate background, she found her calling in marketing and PR. Wanting her work to make a real difference, Jess joined Jessie May as the Marketing and Communications Officer.
After a period of maternity leave, she returned to a new role as Press, PR and Communications Officer – a position she’s embraced wholeheartedly. “I’ve loved the slight change in role, as it allows me to really connect with the families we support and put the child at the forefront of everything we do. Telling their stories and raising awareness about the work we do is something I’m very passionate about.”
Outside of work, Jess is a part-time singer, full-time mum, and always happiest when she’s by the sea.
Kath Jones
Individual Giving and Legacies Manager
Kath is a tea drinking, Welsh rugby loving, bookworm based in South Wales.
She started her career in direct marketing at Golley Slater Group, working with commercial clients such as Aviva and Scottish Power and third sector clients such as Unicef, Oxfam and Tŷ Hafan.
12 years later Kath made the move to the third sector taking a post at Tŷ Hafan, the children’s hospice for South Wales in the fundraising team. During her five-year tenure Kath managed the delivery of exceptional Supporter Care, the Challenge Events portfolio, gifts in wills, fundraising campaigns and appeals, and the Community Fundraising programme.
With a steadfast passion for children’s hospice care Kath works for Jessie May as Individual Giving Manager, committed to growing the supporter base, delivering income growth and ensuring the supporters are cared for in the best way possible.
“When working with Unicef I learnt about the UNCRC. Every child has the right to a childhood. This is no less the case when a child has a life limiting condition or terminal illness. I am passionate about children’s hospice care championing this right with the child and the family.”
Kayleigh Ellis
Trusts and Statutory Manager
Operations and Finance Team
Sophia Webb
Projects and Operations Manager
Sophia first joined Jessie May as an Impact and Outcomes Officer through the Charityworks Leadership Development Programme. Working alongside Rachael, our Data and Insights Officer, she focused on reviewing and strengthening the organisation’s data systems and reporting – all to help showcase the incredible work our team delivers every day.
Now in her role as Project & Impact Manager, Sophia ensures that key projects align with Jessie May’s mission and strategic goals. She is responsible for identifying priorities, planning and tracking project progress, and reporting on outcomes to the Senior Leadership Team. She works closely with colleagues across the charity to support change management and improve organisational efficiency.
A recent graduate, Sophia brings with her experience managing youth engagement projects for companies in the rail industry. She is passionate about making a meaningful impact and feels privileged to be part of the Jessie May team.
Outside of work, Sophia is happiest exploring new places, spending time in nature, and connecting with others.
“I feel lucky to work at Jessie May, and I love supporting the team to provide the very best care to children and their families.”
Rachael Kumar
Operations Officer
Rachael has a background in customer service, admin and Pensions Software Training.
Over the years she has had the opportunity to live and work in Amsterdam (totally threw me out of my comfort zone but such an amazing 18 months which I’m so grateful to have had the chance to work and live there as a resident rather than a tourist – I still get homesick for beautiful Netherlands!). On return to the UK, she decided to take some time-out from an office environment. It was then she became involved with volunteer and community work, sitting on the committees at her daughter’s pre-school and for a local park Friends group. More recently during Covid-19, she has been volunteering delivering meals for the National Food Service and becoming involved with the local area Covid Help, Support & Volunteering Group.
She joined Jessie May originally as a Care Team Administrator and has had many opportunities to communicate with our many of our families and children. Her current role in Jessie May is as the Finance and HR Administrator, where she works closely with the Admin and Office Manager to keep day-to-day records accurate and timely, supporting the nurses so they can go out and provide support to the families.
“I’ve been at Jessie May for 3 ½ years now and can honestly say I enjoy coming into work. I’m honoured to be a part of the Jessie May family and it always brings a smile to my face to hear about and see the children being children, having fun and laughing with their Nurses.”
Mary-Anne Hancock
Operations Assistant
Mary-Anne has been with Jessie May since 2015, starting as Office Administrator and moving up to Care Team Administrator. She assists the Care Team with ensuring that all relevant paperwork for children/families is up to date and accounted for.
“I enjoy being able to support the nurses with the fantastic work they do, and having the opportunity to meet our wonderful children, and their families, at family events.
Jess Reis
Finance Officer
Jess joined Jessie May after a career in the corporate sector, seeking something more meaningful. Since joining as a Care Administrator, she’s embraced several roles across the organisation, including fundraising, before finding her home in the Finance Team. Now our Finance Officer, Jess brings a calm, can-do attitude and a genuine passion for the work Jessie May does.
Coming up to her three-year anniversary with the charity, Jess says: “It sounds cliché, but being part of a charity that makes such a massive impact to the families we support is what makes it a great place to work.”
Outside of work, Jess is happiest spending time with her family, heading to the beach, or out walking in nature. She’s also a big fan of staying active—running, exercise groups, and even squeezing in a few squats during the Finance Team’s “5 Minutes of Fitness with Finance.
Ben Roper
Operations Apprentice
Trustees
Tiggy McCool
Chair of the Board
Anne Harris
Elaine Lunts
Emma Headings
Laura Hoy
Michael Legge
Miranda McGinn
Chair of the Income Generation Subcommittee
Tamsin Woodbridge
Chair of the Quality Assurance Subcommittee
Tracey McCarthy
Safeguarding Lead
Honorary Presidents, Patron and Ambassadors
Philippa Brownjohn
Honorary President
Philippa Purrington co‑founded Jessie May in memory of her daughter, Jessica May, who passed away as an infant from Spinal Muscular Atrophy. Motivated by the lack of specialist care available for children with life-limiting conditions at home, Philippa and her husband Chris set out to create a service that would provide families with the support, care, and comfort they desperately needed. Jessie May officially launched in 1996, and Philippa played a central role in shaping the charity’s vision, building its team, and establishing a foundation that would grow to support countless families across the South West.
After stepping back to focus on her family, Philippa remains deeply connected to the charity and was welcomed back as Honorary President. In this role, she continues to champion Jessie May’s mission, lending her guidance, passion, and personal insight to ensure children and families receive the care they deserve. Her dedication and leadership keep Jessica May’s legacy alive, inspiring the charity’s work every day.
Jo Chambers
Honorary President
Jo Chambers has been part of Jessie May since the very beginning and has played a central role in shaping the charity’s vision and growth. As Honorary President, Jo brings a wealth of experience, compassion, and dedication to ensuring children with life-limiting conditions and their families receive the specialist support they need.
Her long-standing commitment, generosity, and leadership have been vital in helping Jessie May thrive, and she continues to be an inspiring figurehead for the charity today.
Barry Hearn
Patron
Barry Hearn is one of the most influential figures in British sport and entertainment. As the founder and President of Matchroom Sport, he has been instrumental in transforming snooker, darts, boxing, and a wide range of sports into global spectacles enjoyed by millions. Known for his energy, vision, and passion, Barry has built a legacy as one of the UK’s most successful sports promoters and entrepreneurs.
Alongside his remarkable career, Barry is deeply committed to giving back. As Patron of Jessie May, he brings his trademark drive and generosity to supporting children with life-limiting conditions and their families. His belief in the charity’s mission helps raise vital awareness and ensures Jessie May can continue providing the specialist care and support that makes such a difference.
Jamie Jones
Ambassador
Jamie Jones is a Welsh professional snooker player, known for his resilience and skill on the table. He turned professional in 2006. He quickly made a name for himself with his competitive spirit and strong performances. One of his notable achievements includes reaching the quarter- finals of the world snooker championship in 2012, which marked him as a rising talent in the sport. His determination and ability to overcome adversity have earned him respect in the snooker community.
Julianne Ponan
Ambassador
Julianne is a successful young entrepreneur renowned for creating allergy-friendly snack bars and baking mixes, catering to diverse dietary needs including allergies, veganism, and health-conscious consumers. Her products are widely distributed across major UK supermarkets and international markets like Dubai, Oman, Kuwait, Malta, and soon the USA, totaling over 5,000 stores.
Her entrepreneurial journey almost didn’t happen due to health challenges. At 9 years old, Julianne faced a life-threatening complication from pancreatitis surgery, defying odds with the help of dedicated doctors. Despite a recurrence of pancreatitis at 17 and dire predictions from doctors, Julianne, now 29, has surpassed expectations and believes in the power of perseverance.
Julianne is deeply passionate about supporting Jessie May, a charity close to her heart. Reflecting on her own childhood struggles with illness, she emphasizes the invaluable support Jessie May could have provided for her and her family during those difficult times. Julianne looks forward to connecting with children supported by Jessie May and contributing to their welfare however she can.
Kyren Wilson
Ambassador
Kyren Wilson is an accomplished English professional snooker player, recognised for his exceptional skill and competitive nature. He embarked on his professional career in 2010 and has since become a formidable in the sport. Renowned for all – around game and mental toughness, he has secured multiple ranking titles, including the shanghai masters. He has made significant strides in major tournaments winning the 2024 world snooker championship. His consistent performances and ability to excel under pressure have earned his widespread respect and admiration in the snooker world.
Kyren is a family- oriented individual who often shares his appreciation for his family’s support throughout his snooker career. He is married to Sophie, and the couple has two sons, Finley and Bailey. He frequently expresses how important his family is to him, crediting them for providing stability and motivation. Despite the demands of his professional career, he values quality time with his wife and children, and their presence at his matches is a significant source of inspiration and encouragement for him.
Lloyd Kembrey
Ambassador
Lloyd Kembrey has been connected to Jessie May since childhood, deeply influenced by the charity’s support for his cousins, Francesca and Josephine, as well as his family. He admires the immeasurable impact Jessie May has on children and families, prompting his active involvement in fundraising efforts from a young age. Lloyd and his family have participated in various activities such as business open days, supermarket bag packing, and fundraising at the Bristol Hippodrome. Honoured to be appointed as an ambassador, Lloyd is proud to support Jessie May officially. In 2023, he looks forward to engaging in innovative fundraising challenges to further support the charity’s remarkable work.
Julie Kembrey
Ambassador
Julie Kembrey is the bereaved mother of twin daughters, Francesca and Josephine, who were diagnosed with a progressive and life-limiting condition at the tender age of 3 and a half years. Introduced to Jessie May in 1998 when her daughters were referred to the then-new local charity, Julie and her family found invaluable support from the compassionate nurses and became integral members of the Jessie May community.
During their early interactions with Jessie May, Francesca and Josephine enjoyed engaging activities such as play, storytelling, and singing, which helped bolster their family’s confidence. They eagerly participated in family gatherings like Family days and Christmas parties, fostering connections with other families facing similar challenges.
As the girls’ health declined, their medical needs escalated, necessitating extensive medication, equipment, and skilled nursing care. Jessie May’s nurses played a vital role in their caregiving team, providing essential support, respite, and emotional guidance. Julie emphasizes the profound impact of Jessie May’s compassionate care, which not only offered much-needed downtime for their family but also crucial advice and support during challenging moments of illness and symptom management.
Rob Walker
Ambassador
Rob Walker is a seasoned network TV broadcaster who has been active since 1999, appearing on BBC Sport, ITV Sport, and Channel 4. His main broadcasting interests are Athletics and Snooker. Rob has been a lead TV commentator for the World Athletics Championships since 2005 and the World Snooker Championships since 2008. He has also covered every Commonwealth Games since 2002, every Summer Olympics since 2004, and every Winter Olympics since 2010. Renowned for his meticulous preparation, distinctive voice, and genuine enthusiasm, Rob is also a published author of comprehensive children’s books on the Olympic Games.
In a personal journey from October 2021 to May 2022, Rob lost three close friends to illness. In their memory, he ran and cycled from John O’Groats to Land’s End, raising funds for two charities, including Jessie May. He chose Jessie May because of its connections to his friends and the sudden death of his son’s close friend, George. Rob has seen the impact of Jessie May’s bereavement counselling and is now an Ambassador for the charity. He is planning further fundraising efforts.
Roger Harper
Ambassador
Roger has been deeply involved with Jessie May, drawing on his experience working closely with a local disabled sports team to understand and support individuals’ needs. His engagement focuses not on disabled people, but on people with disabilities, recognizing the importance of language in portraying respect and understanding.
He proudly wears his purple Jessie May wristband and lapel badge daily, using them as conversation starters to educate others about the charity’s impactful work. Recently, Roger ran the Bath Half Marathon to raise funds for Jessie May, actively participating in various charity events whenever possible.
Roger finds these events inspiring, noting the extraordinary achievements of everyone associated with the charity. The heartfelt testimonials received by Jessie May further validate the dedicated efforts of its team, reinforcing the significance of his contributions and commitment.
Sir Steve Webb
Ambassador
Steve Webb served as a Member of Parliament for South Gloucestershire from 1997 to 2015 and was notably the Pensions Minister in the UK government from 2010 to 2015. He has been a dedicated supporter of the Jessie May Trust for many years. Before his political career, Steve was a Professor of Social Policy at Bath University, and after leaving Parliament, he continued working in the pensions industry. Steve is a prominent commentator on pensions issues, frequently contributing to TV, radio, and press discussions. In recognition of his contributions, he was awarded a knighthood in the New Year’s Honours in 2017. Steve lives with his family near Thornbury and volunteers his spare time as a debt adviser with Thornbury-based New Start Debt Advice.
Zara Nanu
Ambassador
Dr. Zara Nanu MBE is a passionate advocate for workplace gender equality and fair pay. As the CEO of Gapsquare, a division of XpertHR specializing in diversity and equality data intelligence, she utilizes data science and AI to reshape the future of work with inclusivity as a cornerstone. Zara is known for her impactful presence at international events, including engagements with the OECD and a TED talk, where she shares innovative ideas. With a PhD in Social Sciences from The University of the West of England, Zara is committed to empowering employers to take proactive steps in promoting equality and diversity. She is eager to apply her expertise to support a local charity in reaching hundreds of families across the southwest region.
Bristol City Womens Football Team
Team Ambassadors
Bristol City Women, formerly known as Bristol Academy, rebranded to align with the Bristol City FC family and proudly represent the city on and off the pitch. Playing their home matches at Ashton Gate Stadium, the team brings an exciting atmosphere for fans while showcasing top-level women’s football.
Dedicated to developing young talent through their renowned youth academy, Bristol City Women are passionate about inspiring the next generation and achieving success both in domestic and international competitions. Beyond football, the club plays an active role in the community, championing causes like Jessie May and helping raise awareness for children with life-limiting conditions.
