Meet Our Dedicated Trustees
Paul Lockyer Chair of Trustees
Paul joined Embrace as a trustee and Hon. Chair at the AGM in 2022. Paul acts as the key link between staff and trustees. His role is to lead the board of trustees to ensure the charity is set up for success and able to deliver the best possible service as well as the charity’s long term strategic plan. Paul has previously worked in the national office with Special Olympics GB and is also a trustee with Northampton Mencap.
Eileen Swaisland Vice Chair
Eileen is a mum of three, now grown, children and a Nannie to two amazing grandchildren. She has been involved with Embrace about 20 years. Her son Ryan first joined the Saturday club when he was 8 years old (he is now 30!) this was when it was ran at St Mary’s church hall. Eileen has seen the charity change so much since those early days and enjoys supporting the charity and its staff to continue to develop and grow. “Friends have been made and lost over those years, but the work of the charity and the families we support continues unabated. A reassuring friend when at times you feel there are none, that truly know what it means to have a child with additional needs. So I’m just a mum doing what I can to support a charity that has and continues to support my family”.
Catherine Weir Secretary
Initially Catherine was involved with the charity in 2001 as a Saturday club volunteer and then served as Chair from 2008-2012. After retiring from full time employment in 2023, Catherine re-joined the charity as Secretary. “My role is to support the Chair and the Trustees with the administration of meetings and I am a member of the Fundraising group”.
Lee Mostari Treasurer
Lee has been a trustee for over 10 years and Hon. Treasurer for almost all that time. He oversees the finances of the charity and tracks spend vs budget over the financial year. In his work life, Lee runs a Data and Insight consulting practice. Lee was introduced to the charity when he moved to Sandy in 2002 as his daughter has cerebral palsy and has enjoyed and benefited from the services provided by the charity.
Natalie Murray Trustee
Natalie is a new trustee. She lives in Westoning with her husband and three children. Natalie brings her marketing experience to the trustee team and is excited to help where she can. She was introduced to Embrace when she came in and rebranded the charity – along with a new name! “I loved what Embrace were doing so much I didn’t want to stop supporting them and I hope I can help make a difference as a trustee.
Rajan Kanda Trustee
Rajan has been a trustee at Embrace since 2021, after completing his masters. As someone with CP and an ex-service user, he is passionate about disability rights, inclusivity, and access to local services. He is keen to represent the views of our young people to the board, in order to enable Embrace to continue to provide this vital support.
Claire Broughton-Welsh Trustee
Claire is a paediatric occupational therapist, case manager and expert witness, bringing over 30 years experience in her clinical field to the role. She has collaborated with Embrace for many years in providing a service for a shared client group. She has lived in Bedford since 1996 and became a trustee in 2020.
Elizabeth Noble Trustee
Elizabeth (Liz) has been a trustee since 2023 and was excited to get involved. She lives in Bromham, with her husband Mark, where they are almost ‘empty nesters’. They’ve lived here for many years, although have had stints working in China and Poland between 2011-2017. “My whole career, since the 1990’s, has been focused on Human Resource (HR) management and I am currently Vice President, HR for DHL Express UK. I hope my skills can add value and support to Embrace”.
Suzannah Lee Trustee
Suzannah has been a trustee for Embrace since 2012. Currently employed full time in the community public health sector with 39 years’ experience as a registered nurse and Health Visitor. This knowledge and experience is shared with Embrace as the lead trustee for safeguarding and equality.
Stephen Mortimer Trustee
Stephen joined Embrace in 2024 as a Trustee. Recently retired he was a Dean and Pro-Vice-Chancellor at The University of Bedfordshire and director of a research institute.