Our story

My role within the foundation involves helping to organise events that raise vital funding for the services we provide in support of men’s mental health. These include running events such as GEAR, as well as community-based activities that bring together local people and businesses to raise awareness of the 8:56 charity and the work we do. 

As Volunteer Coordinator, I coordinate our volunteers, who are a huge part of our success, and play a vital role in ensuring our events run smoothly while supporting everyone involved.

I was friends with Lee and often ran alongside him during our Tuesday “5K on a treadmill” session - usually ending in a race, although I never did beat him! 

With a strong passion for wellbeing and positive mental health, combined with my operational background and love of organisation, volunteering with 8:56 was an easy decision to join and volunteer.

I've been involved with the 8:56 Foundation since its inception in 2021 and have recently taken on the role of Treasurer. 

 I am constantly amazed at the support and goodwill we receive from the community  

I've watched with both admiration and pride as men who have engaged with us through either group sports activities or one of our many social events have grown in confidence and become at ease in social surroundings. Helping other men through their mental health journey is the primary reason I give up my time volunteering for the Foundation.

For the past 15 years, my career has been centred on my role as a Procurement Manager at Premier Foods. 

I first became involved with the Foundation in September 2021, when I was asked to support its social media work. That initial involvement grew over time, and in 2023 I was honoured to become a Trustee.

My responsibilities now include Events, Fundraising, Men’s Time, and continuing to help shape our digital presence. Each area allows me to contribute to the supportive community the Foundation is building.

My connection to this work is deeply personal. Lee was one of my closest friends, and witnessing the impact of his loss on everyone who loved him has driven my commitment to the Foundation’s mission. I’m dedicated to helping create safe, nonjudgemental spaces where men feel able to talk, seek support, and access help when they need it—so fewer families experience the pain that we did.

My involvement with the foundation as a trustee and advocate began in early 2025. 

With two-decades of experience as a trustee with other organisations, alongside a backgroundin business development, engagement, PR and strategic roles, I felt strongly about supporting the foundation’s growth and helping it move into its next chapter.

Community involvement has always been a big part of my life. Through leading local projects, national campaigns, supporting grassroots groups, and helping organisations plan and grow, I’ve seen how much can be achieved when people work together with a shared purpose.

I didn’t know Lee personally, but as a friend of several people who would have benefitted greatly from the support the foundation offers, I feel both proud and grounded in the work we do in his memory. It’s a privilege to be part of a team committed to making a real and lasting difference.

My role as a trustee and fundraising committee member commenced in 2025, following confirmation that the foundation had successfully achieved charitable status. That status is testament to the impact of the incredible work the team have completed since the organisation came into being. 

Voluntary roles and community-focused collaborations form an important part of my personal life and are often inextricably linked with my working life as a senior leader in education. As both a chartered psychologist and close relative of someone I feel would have benefited enormously from the work of the 8:56 Foundation, I am honoured and delighted to now be part of it.

I’ve been part of the 8:56 Foundation from the very beginning, helping to shape its early direction and purpose. I was honoured to be elected as the first Chairman, guiding the foundation through its initial growth and establishing the values we still hold today. After completing my term, I moved into my current role as a Trustee, where I continue to support the foundation’s long-term strategy and development.

I volunteer with the foundation in memory of my brother-in-law, Lee. Being part of the 8:56 Foundation allows me to channel that loss into something positive, and I’m incredibly proud of the work we do to support men’s mental health.

In my professional life, I bring experience in leadership, communication, and wellbeing advocacy. I’m a trained Mental Health First Aider (MHFA), and I’m passionate about men’s mental health.

I am one of the original five people that got together to set up the foundation. Although I didn't know Lee personally, when I was asked to get involved there was only one answer. 

I now liaise between the committee and trustees. From the beginning and I’m still involved in spreading the word of ‘it’s good to talk ‘mainly through local sports clubs attending various events on behalf of the foundation and helping raising its profile./

Personally, through my working career I’ve always helped people from my roles in the local constabulary, being chairman, secretary of local football clubs. To my current role as a teacher working with vulnerable children and I am also a foster carer for children within Norfolk

I’ve been part of the 8:56 Foundation committee since its launch in 2021, with my main role focused on managing and maintaining our Shop. That includes processing orders and ensuring we have the right stock available for events — helping the foundation stay connected and prepared.

I first met Lee through my partner’s sister, and we shared plenty of laughs at family get-togethers. I was proud to support him as he took on three marathons to raise funds and awareness for charity. 

Since his passing, I’ve felt a strong drive to support other men and families navigating mental health challenges. Becoming a Mental Health First Aider has given me the tools to do that — to listen, to help, and to honour Lee’s legacy through action.

My role within the foundation involves helping to organise and run events in the aim to raise funds that will assist towards the services we provide in the support of men’s mental health. The events vary from the Golf Day, 8:56 Social Cricket Team, Charity Ball and many more. Our aim is to ensure the events run smoothly but also enjoyable for the participants.

Being a lover of most sports it is enjoyable volunteering for the charity and socialising with others. Mental Health is something I feel strongly about having myself, friends and family affected by it. Volunteering for the charity was an easy decision to make and I am enjoying every aspect of it.

As an experienced Non-Executive Director across housing, health and education and with a background of commercial management in major UK hospitality companies, I believe I am well placed to add value to the 8.56 Foundation. 

With a long-term strategic outlook coupled with good governance and a view to financial sustainability, I am determined to ensure that the 8.56 Foundation is here for the long term to help those who need our support and services. 

My focus, along with the other Trustees, will be on helping to build and guide the 8.56 Foundation so that it is able to grow and offer more and better services to those in need and to ensure long term financially sustainability built on good governance and driven by customer need. 

As well as supporting our strategic ambitions I am interested in how we can improve the wellbeing of those connecting with us, through sport and so will want to help and support in this key area. 

I only knew Lee for about 6-7 years. I was first introduced to him as I had a spare ticket for a test match at Headingley and another friend suggested we offer it to Lee. We picked him up and though I had never met him, within 10 minutes in the car I knew he was a great bloke, and we would get on well, and we did! Many of my favourite memories of attending international cricket matches are ones involving Lee.