Trustees

David Clinton: Chairman

I have been in business for more than 33 years, globetrotting as a senior partner in Accenture and more recently as a founder of a financial services company specialising in pensions. I wanted to give back and could think of no worthier a cause than Challengers.

As Chairman, my role is to ensure good governance and to do all I can to support the Chief Executive and the Senior Management Team in making Challengers even stronger and more exciting than it is today.

Rachel Bartholomeusz: Young Trustee

I came into contact with Challengers over 12 years ago when my brother attended the Oxted Playscheme; a few years later I became a Play/Youth Worker.

Inspired to pursue a career in the non-profit sector, I took part in ‘Charityworks’, the UK non-profit sector’s graduate scheme. I spent one year working at The Whiteley Homes Trust and I am now a Marketing Executive at Cancer Research UK.

I think it is really exciting that Challengers decided to appoint a Young Trustee to the Board and love to make my contribution as the sibling of a young disabled person and as a Play/Youth Worker.

Ann Baty: Trustee

Challengers is my 11-year-old daughter’s social life. The young helpers at Farnham are her playmates and entertainers, look after her physical needs, and understand her funny ways – which means that I know she is safe and cared about.

I became a trustee in summer 2010 to help ensure that my daughter’s voice, and those of other children like her who have no verbal communication and profound disabilities, are heard. I also help the team at Challengers understand the parents’ voice in the wider issues that touch the children’s families.

Gail Bedding: Trustee

Parent of teenage twins, 2 step children and a very cute young man with complex needs. CEO of Hampshire Parent Carer Network and National Rep for National Network of Parent Carer Forum.

Challengers is a lifeline for ALL the family: the smile on my son’s face when he arrives; the freedom for me to watch the twins play sports at the weekend; allowing me to work; and for us all to have some normality. I don’t know how we would cope without it!

Sally Dewar: Trustee

I began my role in International Regulatory Risk at JPMorgan in June 2011 after almost 10 years at the Financial Services Authority. I became a Trustee at Challengers as I am in awe of, and have enormous respect for, everyone involved in it. 

Over the last few years I have seen it grow in stature and coverage whilst remaining true to its mission – it’s all about the children – which I just love.

Anele Griessel: Trustee

I am a children’s occupational therapist. I run an independent occupational therapy practice in 2007 and have been working as a paediatric occupational therapist for the past twenty years.

I first came across Challengers when we moved to Farnham a few years ago. I was blown away by the commitment, quality and inclusive services provided as well as the fun and laughter experienced by the children and young people. It is therefore a privilege to now be part of Team Challengers as a Trustee.

Enabling children to play is something that I am passionate about in my daily work and I hope that my clinical experience will support the growth of service delivery through governance as a Trustee.

Phil Heasman: Safeguarding Trustee

I am delighted to join the Board of Trustees bringing a particular focus on safeguarding matters and an interest in training and development informed by work as a social worker, university lecturer and, currently, in a variety of independent roles with organisations who work with children and young people and their parents, carers and families.

Though living in the lovely Peak District in Derbyshire, I welcome the opportunity to frequently head back down the M1 to my southern roots in order to play an active part in supporting the organisation’s work, the staff and volunteers and, of course most importantly, the children, young people and families who together are Challengers!

Liz Jorden: Trustee

I first came across Challengers when The Head of Fundraising and Head of Communications spoke at a fundraising conference. Their passion for Challengers was so infectious that I had to find out more about the charity. I was thrilled when I saw that Challengers wanted a Fundraising Trustee, and delighted when I was invited to join the board.

My professional fundraising career started at the NSPCC; since then I have worked as an independent fundraising consultant specialising in major gifts.

Robert Pickles: Trustee/Chair of Communications & Fundraising Committee

I am proud to be a trustee for Challengers, a charity that I have known since my own children were small. I love it because it makes a real difference to the lives of real people, every day.

Away from Challengers, I have worked for Canon (UK) Ltd for over 20 years, holding management and senior positions within Sales and Marketing. I am currently Director of Public Affairs.

I am happily married with 3 grown children. I like walking in the Surrey Hills and spending time with family and friends.

Richard Rose: Trustee

I joined Morrisons in 1988, set up the firm’s Company and Commercial team in 1994, and lead the firm in its growth period from 2000 – 2006.

My expertise spans four decades, during which time I provided numerous owner managed clients with invaluable advice around business acquisitions and disposals. He also advises corporate clients on general and strategic issues, general corporate and commercial transactions and management buy-outs.

Outside the office, I enjoy tennis and golf and support local charity The Surrey Care Trust. I joined the Board of Trustees at Challengers to help make a difference to the children and families who use the Challengers support services.

Graham Seddon: Treasurer

I joined the Trustees at Challengers in September 2012.

Having taken over as Treasurer I have worked closely with the team as we look to move the organisation forward.

The future holds many exciting opportunities and challenges, and as Chair of the Finance and Risk Sub-committee my role is to support the Senior Management Team whilst safeguarding the charity’s financial position to ensure the fantastic work can continue for years to come.

Mike Walker: Medical Trustee

I am delighted and very honoured to have been asked to take up the role of Medical Trustee for Challengers, a charity that I have known and admired for some years.

I am a full time GP with over 20 years experience and have a particular interest in child healthcare.

Away from work I love music and all sports (particularly rugby) and I am a keen golfer and cyclist.

I am married with 2 children. I look forward to supporting the wonderful Challengers team in the future.