80% of our team are made up of our wonderful volunteers.
We pride ourselves on being caring not corporate, big enough to make a difference but small enough to care.The charity is run by our Trustees who have overall control of The Dorset Children’s Foundation and are responsible for making sure it’s doing what it was set up to do.
They lead the charity and decide how it is run. They make decisions that will impact on the children and families we support.
Our Trustees create a welcoming and supportive culture and apply ethical principles to all decisions made. We support inclusion, equality and diversity throughout all facets of The Dorset Children’s Foundation.
Their approach supports both good governance and the delivery of the charities purpose.
Our trustees are made up of: Chair Alex, a communications company manager, long term supporter and DCFFC coach, Matt, an accountant, dad of Jenson who has a rare chromosome condition and DCFFC coach, his wife Emily voluntary organises all our Accessible For All sessions. Dan; dad of Elisa, who has extremely complex needs, is the voice of parents of disabled children, represents us with The Disabled Children’s Partnership and frequently addresses Government; James a community care solicitor who tirelessly battles for our families; and Amy an expert in the voluntary sector and volunteer of many years.
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AmbassadorDelilah Fitzgerald -
Chair of TrusteesAlex has been a friend to The DCF long before he became a Trustee, he has worked tirelessly behind the scenes to befriend and help our families and their children and is constantly championing our cause. He is a very valuable member of our team and is just like a big brother to many of our children.Alex Deutsch -
TrusteeAmy is mum to Emily and prior to becoming A Trustee was one of our longest standing volunteers. Amy is responsible for good governance, compliance and ensuring our policies and procedures are exemplary.Amy Collins -
TrusteeBefriender to new families and represents our families on The Disabled Children’s Partners steering, communication and campaign forums. He is also responsible for data compliance and IT infrastructure.Dan McEvoy -
TrusteeMatt is a chartered management accountant. He is dad to Jenson who is seven and has a rare genetic condition & three year old Coby. He is also a coach of our football team DCFFC.Matt Sutton -
TrusteeChartered Legal Executive specialising in Community Care/ Disability Law. Lester Aldridge LLPJames Pantling-Skeet -
AmbassadorHarry became involved with The DCF after supporting one of our children Ethan Burney at a sportsman dinner. He said " The work you've done has just been amazing and the help you've given to so many children is just beyond belief. Keep up the good work, you're fantastic."Harry Redknapp -
AmbassadorChris Nash is an elite wheelchair racer, who recently won both The Yorkshire and Bristol Marathons. Chris is passionate about making sure people get the best opportunities available to them and removing the barriers to participation.Chris Nash -
AmbassadorChris is a professional boxer and commonwealth champion. The love and support of the sporting community is so important to our children and Chris has been a long term friend and supporter of The DCF. He is absolutely committed to helping us and is a truly lovely man.Chris Billam-Smith -
Head of Operations | Co FounderPatsy was honoured to be a Meridian Region finalist in the 2018 Pride of Britain Awards. Governor of Montacute School. Trustee, Enable My Trip. Member of AFCB Disability Working Group. Committee member Dorset FA Inclusion Advisory Group. 01202088175 Patsy@thedcf.orgPatsy Hallmey -
Co Founder07833318285 Scott@thedcf.orgScott Akam -
PatronJane Jones is one of our most fervent supporters. She has organised golf tournaments, fundraising events and promotes us wherever she can. Jane has introduced us to two of our charity partners PTFC and Bournemouth Collegiate School.Jane Jones -
AmbassadorJack is an inspirational role model who aims to raise the profile of disability and to show that with determination and hard work anything is possible. Jack is a Paralympian representing the U.K. in canoeing. He is a former Mr England and was the first amputee cat walk model at New York Fashion Week.Jack Eyers -
AmbassadorGeva is a 2018 Commonwealth gold medal winner as part of the English Rose Netball Team. She coaches athletics to people who are differently abled and is involved with The Special Olympics Bournemouth and District. Geva is an inspirational role model who aims to break down barriers and promote integration.Geva Mentor CBE -
Retail ManagerJayne is our retail manager and has been with us since the beginning. You would not find a more loyal, honest, hardworking person. Jayne is absolutely passionate about our charity and has not only shaved her head to raise funds but also completed a skydive. 01202 390011Jayne Carr -
Manager Carbery Row ShopMike Doran -
Manager Pokesdown Station ShopGus Hood -
Assistant Manager BoscombePaulene Chambers -
Community Events07711 133705 Louise@thedcf.orgLouise Hands - Heathfield -
Disability Awareness07982 895868 Gemma@thedcf.orgGemma Cardona -
Head of Marketing07955231779 Adrienne@thedcf.orgAdrienne Coles -
Parent AmbassadorTilly is mum to Charlie who has Turner Syndrome. Prior to becoming a mum, Tilly supported families who had a child with additional needs and then became a Portage consultant for Bournemouth Borough Council. Tilly combines her personal and professional experiences to support our families.Tilly Brown -
Parent AmbassadorDanni is mum to Noah who has a very rare genetic condition meaning he is unable to talk and is in a wheelchair. As a parent Danni offers vital support to other families in similar situations as she remembers the fear and loneliness she has suffered. She is available to offer advice and a shoulder to lean on.Danni Jones -
AmbassadorsAdam has Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, a degenerative muscle waisting disease. However, Adam and his family do not see this as a barrier and he actively participates in activities that his able bodied peers are able to do. He has a black belt in Taekwondo and participates in park runs and wheelchair football.Adam Sevenoaks -
AmbassadorJack organises the framing and auctioning of our donated sporting memorabilia and is responsible for organising fundraising football tournaments and group participation in The Bournemouth Marathon Festival. Jack is always willing to help out in any way he can and is a delightful addition to our team.Jack Pyne -
PatronLisa is mum to Kitty who has two rare genetic disorders, so she really understands what our parents are going through. She visits our parents and offers both face to face and online support. Lisa was formerly a trustee for Julia's House.Lisa Johnstone -
PatronJane Kelly is a councillor for Boscombe West, cabinet member, lead member for engagement, Children’s Services Overview and Scrutiny Committee, Citizen's Advice Bureau. Jane has been a valued supporter and volunteer since our very early days.Jane Kelly -
PatronBobbie is a councillor representing Littledown and Iford. She works with Bournemouth Borough Council and our parents to ensure that the voice of disability is heard. Bobbie is Lead Member For Equalities, BCP Lead Member Health and Wellbeing Board and Member Learning Disability Partnership Board.Bobbie Dove -
PatronStephen does a vast amount of voluntary work, alongside being our very active patron, he is a trustee at Charles Rolls Memorial Trust, ambassador at Julia’s House Children’s Hospice, Dorset Cancer Care Foundation & Forest Holme Hospice.Steven Young Lord of Westbury -
Mental Health Advisor07873396108 Hayley@thedcf.orgHayley Cheshire -
AmbassadorPaul is a professional photographer who is regularly involved in events and fundraisers (he has a background in event organising and administration). Well known by many Bournemouth businesses and organisations he is popular with both adults and children.Paul Thompson -
AmbassadorScott is really looking forward to working with us. He refuses to let his disability be a barrier and enjoys socialising, going out with friends to gigs, clubs and pubs. Scott will be writing a regular blog about his experiences as a wheelchair user and has kindly agreed to help with our Accessible For All Group. Scott is absolutely inspirational and we are delighted that he is helping us. Scott has recently set up a Dj business, covering all genres under the name DJ Nose it.Scott Howell -
Official MascotTwitter: @Dorsey_bearDorsey Bear -
Admin SupportLucinda has been a teacher in South Africa, Zambia, Zimbabwe and UK. Teaching in both junior and high schools and an international school. For many years she owned and ran a veterinary practice in the UK and has recently gained a proofreading certificate from CIEP. Lucinda@thedcf.orgLucinda Smith -
Little StarsLittle Stars a stay and Play group for disabled children under 4. Nicola is qualified teacher, with the majority of her 10 years teaching experience being in schools for children with SLD. Nicola@thedcf.orgNicola Roughsedge
Learn more about our trustees
Alex Deutsch
Family: Alex is one of five siblings and is an uncle to 8 children who all adore him. He grew up in Southbourne and has always considered himself lucky to live in such a beautiful area close to his family and friends.
Why DCF? The DCF makes a real difference to families in the local area and as soon as Alex heard about the amazing work the team were doing he wanted to get involved. Alex supports the charity in whatever way he can, whether it’s offering business advice, fundraising, coaching football or face-timing families for a catch up.
Professional life: Alex works for a local telecoms company where he started as tea boy over 10 years ago. His loyalty, hard work and commitment have helped him climb the ladder and he now manages all aspects of the business from accounts to sales and marketing.
For fun: Alex was first introduced to the DCF through AFC Bournemouth who he has supported for over 15 years and he now coaches for the DCF football club. Alex loves music, he plays both guitar and drums and performs locally in his free time. He loves water sports and boxing and even plays a bit of golf too!
Something interesting: Alex originally trained in musical theatre, he has a beautiful singing voice and is also a fantastic actor.
Why we love him: It’s always been important to Alex that happy memories are made in childhood and he strives to make that happen for any child he meets. He has a natural ability to engage with children of all ages and is able to offer support and encouragement with a positive attitude and a silly sense of humour. But most importantly, he is passionate about making people happy and helping to improve lives.
Amy Collins
Amy started working for CAN in October 2010 having originally come from a corporate background. Her role and responsibilities within CAN have changed extensively over this time developing from a part-time temporary admin assistant to now managing the Volunteering Hub for Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole. She finds the voluntary and community sector is so rewarding as every day you know you are making a positive impact on the local community.
Amy says: “Volunteering can have a huge impact on people’s lives, helping them to build their confidence, gain valuable skills and giving them a true sense of purpose. Through my role, I help individuals find the right volunteer opportunity, as well as ensuring that the charity they volunteer for are fully supported and follow good practice.”
In her spare time, Amy volunteers for several different local charities. If she can’t be found bucket collecting or marshalling, you may see her out paddleboarding, though she hasn’t yet mastered the knack of standing up!
Matt Sutton
Family: Matt has two boys, Jenson (8) and Coby (4). Matt has first hand experience of the challenges of raising a disabled child as Jenson has a rare Chromosome Syndrome. Matt is married to Emily who many of you will know from the group she set up ‘Let’s Play.’
Why The DCF?: Matt is a great fit for us because he is passionate about creating opportunities for children and their families, breaking down barriers and promoting true inclusion. He is also our resident accountant and is a man who lives by rules and processes, so keeps everything in order.
Professional Life: Matt is a finance director for an engineering company in Lymington. He qualified as a chartered accountant in 2009 and has previously been an accountant in the NHS as well as working in Information and business systems.
For fun: Matt loves football and he is head coach for our very own DCFFC. He loves running, surfing and paddle-boarding, and his most favourite activity is taking his boys to the forest for bike rides.
Something interesting: Two things you may not know about Matt – he has a black belt in karate and he owns eight skateboards.
Why we love him: Matt has brought us such success with DCFFC and even won two county FA awards for ‘Equality and Inclusion’, and he is a quintessential professional in his trustee role in directing the charity’s corporate responsibility and activity.
