Richard Butcher - Chair of Trustees
What I Do:
As Chair of the Trustees, I keep an eye on just about everything and work closely with Frank Fletcher, the CEO, who is responsible for running the Trust on a day to day basis. I am a retired solicitor and previous legal adviser to the Trust. I am a Chair of the Governance Committee and a member of the Finance & Investment Committee as well as of the HR Committee.
Best moment:
Saying cheerio to a group of first timers after their four-day trip and seeing their huge grins and happiness.
The Trust in one word:
Embracing
Ellen MacArthur
What I Do:
Founding patron
Best moment:
Any smile, any week, any location, any year!
The Trust in one word:
Fun!
Claire Amaladoss
What I Do:
As a young person and volunteer who has sailed with the Trust, part of my role on the Board is to make sure the reality of life as a young cancer survivor and the insights of our young people are included in all the Trust’s decision making.
Best moment:
The end of our first Round Britain voyage – I’ll never forget the feeling of helming into Cowes surrounded by a flotilla of well-wishers with a crowd awaiting us onshore. I bring the moment to mind often; it’s the equivalent of bottled optimism.
The Trust in one word:
Possibility!
Dave Hobin
What I Do:
I’m a Consultant Paediatric and Adolescent Oncologist working out of Birmingham Children’s Hospital and I provide advice and guidance on all medical issues for the Trust at a strategic and operational level.
Best moment:
Seeing the difference the trips make to young people.
The Trust in one word:
Supercalfragilisitcexpialidotious
Joe Burnie
What I Do:
Monitor the Trust’s financial health and oversee its financial risk management policies and procedures.
Best moment:
Being on my first Trust trip and seeing the young people have lots of fun, become a team working together on each yacht, then in the debrief hearing them say how the experience had made a positive impact in lots of different ways.
The Trust in one word:
Transformational
Martin Pluves
What I Do:
A lifelong sailor, I volunteer on the Trust sailing trips and events and as a Trustee I have a role on the Governance Committee.
Best moment:
Watching the young people on sailing trips when they totally forget themselves and let the fun, laughter and excitement take over.
The Trust in one word:
Adventure!
Peter Cazalet
What I Do:
I assist with financial matters, investments and fundraising.
Best moment:
Watching Moonspray sailing under Tower Bridge on Round Britain 2017 and realising how many lives the Trust had touched since it began.
The Trust in one word:
Fandabidozi!
Jo Grindley
What I Do:
I have been lucky enough to be involved with the Trust since 2008, supporting the team on their PR, Comms and Fundraising. In 2014 I was working away and not able to be involved, I sorely missed the energy, enthusiasm, young people, Frank and the whole EMCTrust team, so I was delighted to be asked to be a Trustee.
Best moment:
Back in 2012 hearing Luke, one of the Trust’s young people and ambassadors, chat to The Queen and Prince Philip about everything from sailing, cancer to air conditioning! Everyone had the biggest smiles on their faces.
The Trust in one word:
Passionate
Mark Stevens
What I Do:
Having sailed with the Trust as a young person many years ago and then volunteered for them in more recent times, and I am now very honoured to act as a Trustee and Company Secretary. I am able contribute my experiences of having cancer in my early twenties and what effect being part of the Trust has had on my life.
Best moment:
When we meet at the Trust’s Cowes office I always look at the group photos from the trips over the years and never cease to be amazed by how many hundreds of different people have benefited from the Trust’s work, and the immeasurable, positive effect it will have on their lives for years to come.