Gill was married to David for almost 30 years, together they had one child Alicia. Career wise, Gill is an accountant working within her family company. Alongside her work Gill worked with numerous charities fundraising for The Kidney Patients Society, Harrogate and St James Hospital and The Finlay Cooper Trust, amongst others. Gill is passionate in continuing the outstanding work in education her husband dedicated his life to.

I previously owned my own retail company from 2018 in the UK which gave me a lot of experience with lots of different people. I gained marketing, sales and accounts skills that I can hopefully implement in the foundation. 

After the loss of my father, I felt it was my duty to continue his legacy and therefore pushed for the foundation to be formed. I feel very passionate about this foundation and believe helping disadvantaged children and young adults will give me a strong purpose.

Joe is a systems change professional. He is passionate about the environment and is currently working at the Ellen MacArthur Foundation. Here he is putting his experience in the finance sector to use working in the Finance Initiative to accelerate the transition to the circular economy. Joe’s passion for education lies in his own experiences. Having had the opportunity to study at high-level he is keen to ensure everyone from a young age is able to gain access to education and opportunities.

David was a close family friend and I am extremely passionate about continuing his legacy and helping children and young adults develop bright futures. I am thoroughly looking forward to heading up the UK fundraising events and efforts for the foundation. In 2022 I was one part of the four who ‘cycled’ from Harrogate to Monaco in memory of David to raise money for the foundation and I can’t wait to coordinate and organise more fundraisers of all sizes and types for everyone to get involved with.

Nicola ran a successful, North Yorkshire based, business with her husband for 25 years. She has now taken a step back from this and is exploring new challenges. Through her experience in growing a business Nicola will bring innovative thinking to the board and help drive our operational and Fundraising efforts.

I knew Dave for many years so understood what he believed in. He helped me with my own struggles in education. 

I am a teacher and run a Forest School business and my main passion in life is the power of play in nature. My intention is to continue Dave’s belief in including all young people in education.

I have worked for the past thirty years in primary education, most recently as an Assistant Headteacher in a junior school setting within the Wakefield Authority. I believe passionately that all children deserve the right and should receive the opportunity for an education that will make a positive impact on their lives and prepare them for adulthood. Well-being is the key to this and developing a mindset that embraces the possibilities that education can bring to shaping futures.