With some recent changes on both the Trustee Board and with the staff team, we thought it was time to re-introduce ourselves.
The Trustees are a bunch of volunteers whose role it is to run the charity, making sure it does what it was set up to do but also complies with the legal framework for charities. We are limb-different ourselves, or are the parents, friends and family of many limb-different community members. We volunteer for our trustee roles because we care about Reach and believe that what it stands for – bringing together children and young people with upper limb differences and helping them to live their best and most brilliant lives – is exceptionally important, and we value being part of this supportive community.
We are supported by a small staff team, most of whom work part-time.
Staff Team:
Andrea
For the past four years I’ve been a Freelance Administrator, Project Manager and Researcher working for charities and local authorities. I’ve loved working at a music charity, initially as a volunteer, then administrator and now setting up a new creative programme for children and young people.
Aside from the practicalities of running a charity, my research about social enterprises and charities means I understand the challenges and opportunities the sector faces and I’m in awe of the amazing and often life-changing stories that I hear about. I bring with me experience of working with the NHS and local authorities from my time at the Department of Health and building teams and partnerships between people and organisations is always at the forefront of how I work.
I’m absolutely delighted to be invited to join the REACH family and look forward to meeting members, branch coordinators, and volunteers, supporting the Trustees and getting involved in the incredible work that Reach does.
Lisa
My Reach journey began in 2005 when my son Jake was born. Jake was born with Ulnar Dysplasia which means that his right arm is shorter, and he is missing two fingers on his right hand. I found Reach through Google searches, and we joined right away. It was amazing to have found that we were not alone and that there was such wonderful support out there for us as a family. We had the chance to meet up with other families, which was invaluable, especially in the early days.
My personal journey with Reach includes crocheting Reach dolls and other toys to support families and fundraise for Reach. My son Jake has been a part of the award-winning Reach oRchestRa and through Reach, won a place in the National Open Youth Orchestra. He has also designed the Reach Christmas card and won the Sue Stokes Memorial Award which he is extremely proud of although he would never say (he is a teenager after all!)
I join the staff team on a part time basis bringing my own particular set of skills that include Digital Communications, Web Development, Data Management (across Retail, Charity and Local Authority sectors), and did I mention I am also a Crochet ninja?! I am really looking forward to supporting the trustees and the staff team in providing the best possible support we can for all the Reach families out there.
REACH Trustee Board:
Julie
My Reach journey began in autumn 1999, shortly after the birth of my son, Matthew. Matthew was born missing his right hand. I found Reach contact details in the NHS pregnancy book. The opportunity to meet other parents at local branch events and at the Annual Family Weekend was really important in those early years and the ability to reciprocate that support to new members is equally as important. In 2007 I became a trustee for Reach, during which time I have seen many changes – from incorporation of the charity, the growth of social media to virtual events such as RAW and the AFW as a result of Covid restrictions.
As a charity, we are very reliant on the support of our members, and their friends and families, to fundraise. Over the last 23 years, along with my family, I have undertaken a variety of fundraising activities from cycle rides (Birmingham to Oxford) to coffee mornings, fashion shows to pudding clubs and more recently running 30k during August 2021 ending with a 5k. As a trustee, I hope I can encourage everyone to help raise money for Reach – as the saying goes ‘Every little helps.’
When not wearing my trustee hat, I work full time as a secondary school teacher (leading a Business Studies department), Reach often features in lessons – organisation structures, branding and my colleagues are always willing to donate to Reach in return for some homemade rocky road…. I am a leader at both a Rainbow and Ranger unit; enjoy dancing, attending musical theatre productions (especially watching my daughter perform) and when time permits, I enjoy a variety of craft activities.
Ruth
Ruth Lester, OBE, FRCS
Over the last 30 years, I have had the privilege of working as an NHS consultant plastic surgeon mainly with children and their families.
The activities which children with upper limb differences ‘can do’, has always been revealing, fascinating and humbling. Having retired from active surgical practice, I wanted to use my time and the skills acquired during my career, to offer continuing support for children and families in a different way.
It has been such an honour to serve as a trustee for the charity ‘REACH” over the last 5 years. Reach continues to fulfill a significant supportive role for many of the children and families which I worked with at Birmingham Children’s Hospital. I have so much enjoyed being part of the Reach family and am delighted to continue in my role as trustee, maintaining the links between the healthcare professionals and the members of the charity. I am particularly concerned about the lack of support and information when new parents receive the surprising news of their child having an upper limb difference and am working with you all to improve this.
A few years ago, I joined an advisory group for ‘Music Makers”, a pilot project of ‘OHMI’ – a charity which enables music making for the physically disabled. I am now one of their trustees. I am also currently a trustee of Birmingham Women’s and Children’s Hospital Charity, which supports the work of the hospital which cannot be paid for by the NHS. Both these organizations complement the work of Reach – and I’m learning a lot about the third sector…
I live in the middle of Birmingham with my husband. I have 3 children, 3 stepchildren, 3 grandchildren and 2 step grandchildren (and 2 Bengal cats) – so life is never dull! I continue to enjoy doing some teaching at Birmingham Women’s and Children’s Hospital and supporting the development of Children’s Hand Services locally, nationally, and sometimes internationally! Music has always formed an important part of my life and I am continuing to enjoy playing the violin and re learning the piano.
Clare
I found Reach, along with my close friend, when we were looking for support for her daughter, born with a partial left hand. Finding Reach opened up a set of exciting possibilities that had not seemed part of her future before and provided her with a sense of belonging – being the only child in her school with an upper limb difference and in fact never having seen another child with a hand like hers before, that moment of realising she wasn’t alone was very powerful. The connection to a community that she could feel part of has been really important and I have loved seeing her confidence grow over the years.
Shortly after that, when Reach was looking for trustees, I stood for election, because I wanted to do more to support the community to make sure that other children, like M, were not left feeling on their own for years, noticing the limits on life rather than the opportunities. I took over as chair at the end of 2019, just in time for the disruption of covid. Despite the significant restrictions this placed on the all-important work of bringing the Reach children together, I am proud of the way we collectively kept the community connected during that, including with projects like the Reach oRchestRa that I created to showcase the musical talents of the wider Reach family and provide role models for other Reach children wondering whether there is a place for them in the world of the performing arts. I’ve also been pleased to be able to use my skills as a former civil servant to help bring Reach up to date with current charity regulations and take forward the (painfully slow – but we WILL get there) process to get Reach Ireland properly established, ensuring that children in Ireland can access the full benefits of being part of the Reach community.
We have a really excellent team within the trustee board – a great mix of experiences, skills and interests, all united by a passion for supporting children with upper limb differences live life without limits. I am particularly delighted that we have two former Reach children on the board, reconnecting with the charity that was a part of their growing up.
When I am not doing Reach stuff, my work includes helping to select the country’s judges, teaching music in primary and special schools, and serving on the boards of two music and disability charities (the OHMI Trust, and the Music of Life Foundation).
Sam
Like many Reach Members, I first came into contact with Reach long before my memory actually begins! Born with VATER Syndrome, and a radial club right-hand, my parents were at best unsure of my prospects. They were directed toward Reach by a kind-hearted and caring post-natal nurse, and I think they’d honestly say that their lives were transformed from that moment on. The sparks of hope, positivity, and a belief in the fulfilling life that I might be able to lead were lit with that introduction. Through Reach, my parents met older, inspiring kids who were happy. And adult members too, who were leading successful careers. My parents were able to then rest assured that my future would be determined by me, and not by my limb difference.
As luck would have it, things have predominantly trended upward since those early days (notwithstanding some hairy, rollercoaster moments of course!). I graduated with 3 As at A-Level, left Bristol University with a 2:1 Bachelor’s Degree in Modern Languages, and now find myself 12 years+ into a career in Sports Marketing, with a current pit-stop at Powerleague as Head of Marketing (Digital Transformation & Customer Retention).
That part is maybe the least interesting though, because all I really want to say is that I’m here to help. If you ever have a question or concern, whether it be about the Governance of Reach, or an introduction or piece of advice I might be able to impart – please contact me at: samy@reach.org.uk
Flavia
I have been a member since Victor was born, nearly 10 years ago now. When we learnt about Victor’s limb difference, we were very lost and feeling helpless on how we would be able to help our beautiful baby to “live his live without limits” until we found Reach and we’ve been part of this amazing family ever since.
I first got involved with Reach Ireland helping with their finances and it was only then that I could see the differences between the charity in the UK and what we had in Ireland, so I decided to step in step in as a Trustee to help the kids in Ireland to have access to the same amazing things that the kinds in the UK are entitled to.
I’m originally from Brazil but have been living in Ireland for the past 15 years, so it’s fair to say that Ireland is now my second home and the Reach community my Irish Family.
Along with my Reach duties, I’m also a busy mom of twins, Victor, our Reach “not so baby anymore” and his sister Amanda and am also the Group Commercial Manager for The Talbot Collections, one of the largest hotel groups in Ireland.
Lorraine
In 2013 my second child Darragh was born missing his right hand. His limb difference was not picked in the pregnancy scans. I rang the Reach office and was put in touch with an ex Irish trustee/Reach parent – It was one of the most important conversations I ever had with a someone who was a stranger to me. He completely understood my worries, listened with no judgement, and reassured me on my son’s future. I could literally feel the weight been lifted from my shoulders.
Darragh’s first year was a roller coaster of emotions, but I knew connections with other families were going to be so important. The Republic of Ireland Reach branch had become dormant so I offered to become the branch coordinator. Meeting families and seeing how well older children had developed was invaluable at that stage. Today Darragh is such a happy and positive child no doubt in part to been part of the wonderful Reach family support.
Two years ago, I stepped in as a Trustee – my input has been largely from a parent’s point of view, maternity care, and Ireland/UK relationship post Brexit.
Professionally I have been working as an Accounts Administrator for the past 15 years for a non-profit company IRDG. We assist Members to drive research, development and innovation in Ireland. My passion is gardening, gym sessions and running – hoping to get a half marathon in this year and a full by end of 2023.
Nathan
As a former Reach child born without a left hand, I’m incredibly passionate about Reach’s work in supporting children and young people to overcome life’s obstacles to be their best, authentic and fabulous selves. I was thrilled to come home to Reach by joining the board in April and look forward to applying my background in high value fundraising and my experience as a youth mentor for a London-based organisation working with refugees and asylum seekers. I want to say a massive thank you to all members for welcoming me back to the Reach family with open arms. It’s a privilege to be a part of this community and I look forward to meeting as many of you as possible soon. My door is open at any point for a chat.
We hope to add to the team in the next few weeks with someone who can support our social media work and provide additional administration support.