A management group of trustees is elected at each Annual General Meeting (usually held in May at around the time of M.E. Awareness Week). Trustees meet once a month to oversee the work of the Group. Here is some information about the trustees who were elected in May 2011.
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Andrew Dumbleton has had M.E. since he was 18. Originally from Banbury in Oxfordshire, he moved to Sheffield in October 2006. Andrew used to work summer holidays as a lifeguard and later as a volunteer for Adoption U.K before becoming to ill. His main interests are sports (watching more than playing nowadays!), surfing the web, reading and cinema. He is the Groups Webmaster. |
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Ute Elliott has been Chair since the year 2000 and has enjoyed developing the group, helping people and making new friends. Ute's main interests are classical music, gardening, and her three cats. |
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Kathy Harbord became a trustee in 2005, having moved to Sheffield from Kent. She was a teacher for 20 years but had to retire on grounds of ill health because of M.E. She enjoys yoga, gardening, and a variety of crafts. Kathy is the Treasurer of Sheffield M.E. Group. |
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Having had M.E. since 1993, Chris Wintle feels very lucky to be working part time as Assistant Manager for Chesterfield and District Shopmobility. Having been a trustee for Chesterfield M.E. Support Group some years ago, he now feels ready to make a contribution in Sheffield. Chris says "Unfortunately, some members may have heard my Les Dawson piano playing on Radio Sheffield around Christmas time - I must learn to play properly..." Chris is Sheffield M.E. Group's Vice Chair. |
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Val Gibson has had M.E. now for some time and took ill health retirement from Social Services as a Residential Manager. Over the years she has found Sheffield M.E. Group to be friendly and supportive. Val has decided to rejoin the committee and wishes to contribute to the future development of the Group. |
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Sean Stephenson D.O.B. 31 August 1961, Birthplace Sheffield. Career highlight City and Guilds in Hairdressing, followed with social care. He's now a volunteer with his third voluntary organisation, Sheffield M.E. Group. Philosophy: facing challenges, trying to avoid pessimists and negativity. Greatest skill: inspiring others to go beyond their limitations. Characteristics: patient, caring, eager to help and always relish new challenges. Now he is on the Committee he hopes to be intrumental in the future success of this union. |
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Carol Binks was diagnosed with M.E. over three years ago and would like to offer moral support to other people with the illness. Originally from a Sales and Marketing background, Carol is now a full-time mother. We are very pleased to welcome her to the committee. |
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Ian Stuart first developed M.E. around 1990. He previously worked in the Manpower Service buildings, handling contracts on behalf of the Department of Education. Bringing marketing and publicity skills to the committee, Ian helped to organise many events and exhibitions in his working life. We are very pleased to have him as part of our management team. |
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Michelle Rudge received an M.E. diagnosis five years ago after the illness forced her to give up her role at a City Law firm in London and move back to Sheffield, where she grew up. She says "I could not have got to where I am without the excellent support and advice from Sheffield M.E. Group - to receive the newsletters and to know I wasn't alone - it's a valuable service I'd like to be part of". Michelle is grateful for the opportunity to become a Trustee and to give something back. She is keen to help raise awareness and also to raise funds, both for the Group and more widely for research and development of proper medical testing and treatment. |
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Paul Fergie has suffered with M.E. for 24 years. He has had two recovery periods where he worked as an I.T. Consultant, he taught people with learning difficulties as well as people from the Private Sector and Public Sector! He was also a Technical Author helping to write training manuals! He would love to see an end to people's suffering with this terrible disease! He likes to chill out and relax in the peaceful surroundings of his garden! |
