The Mintridge Foundation Board of Trustees

The role of the trustees is to help the CIO, the Mintridge Foundation, to deliver its purposes most effectively for the public benefit.

They look after:

General Governance and Compliance, including particular focus and overview on safeguarding.
Review and oversight of programmes implemented by the Mintridge staff.
Review, advice and oversight of the Foundation’s development including oversight of fundraising good practice (in accordance with Institute of Fundraising principles).

“My own sporting career is limited by a lack of ability, but I continue to dream about what might still happen!”

— Sally Peck OBE

SALLY PECK OBE

Trustee Lead for Safeguarding

An appreciation of rural life developed as a child growing up on a farm on the Beds/Cambs border. This interest developed further when studying agriculture
and administration at Rodbaston Agricultural College providing her with the skills needed to work at a Bedfordshire based agricultural merchant, specialising in trading malting barley.

Bringing up three sons, all who enjoyed playing sport, meant that Sally spent many hours on the touchline watching rugby, cricket, hockey and football.

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Sally joined the Harpur Trust Board of Trustees in 1998 - a local charity who inspire and support the people of Bedford to help them improve their lives. Along with giving grants, the Trust own and administer four independent schools and sponsor a local Academy Trust. Sally was fortunate to be elected chair of the Trust between 2009 and 2014 and latterly chaired Bedford Modern School until retiring in December 2018.

Sally’s love of sport and ability to organise was fulfilled when she joined SportsAid Eastern, a charity supporting aspiring young athletes living in the Eastern region.

“Being invited to become a Trustee of Mintridge is the icing on the cake for me with all my passions under one umbrella - a Charity dedicated to enhancing life skills in young people through sport. I am excited to be involved in the Mintridge journey and look forward to working with Alex and Katie as the charity continues to develop. ”

— Sally Peck OBE

THOMAS CARDWELL

Tom grew up in Bedford playing a variety of amateur sports for local clubs in the town. Now residing in Olney with his wife and two children, Tom has always been a strong advocate of fundraising for various charities. Some of Tom’s fundraising activities have included Ride London 100, CBRE Property Bike Ride, Great South Run several times, London to Brighton Cycle, together with other events in golf, rugby and shooting.

As a player and Chairman for Sharnbrook and Bromham Cricket Club, Tom was invited to attend the NatWest OSCAs at Lords in 2011 to highlight his significant contribution as a volunteer. Tom was instrumental in organising a cricket tour in 2013 whilst also arranging for the team to take part in a section of ‘Beefy’s Big Walk’ from Kandy to Pinnawalla Elephant Orphanage for Laureus. He also obtained grants, donations and sponsorship to contribute to the purchase of machinery, a scoreboard and covers.

Tom is part owner and Managing Director at Mintridge Strategic Land, a land promotion business bringing forward strategic, long term land across the South East and East Midlands. He has worked in the industry across residential, retirement and affordable housing sectors for over18 years.

Having lost his father to Motor Neurone Disease in 2018, Tom understands what well run charities can do for individuals and families. In becoming a Trustee of the Charity, Tom hopes that he can use his experience and knowledge to support The Mintridge Foundation, whose objectives are to help people of all ages and backgrounds get the help and guidance they need through the power of positive sporting role models.

And of course – he is relishing the challenge!

TARA BELCHER

Tars is the founder of a charity called After Umbrage. They provide free respite for carers at a holiday cottage in Bath, called Kingham Cottage. It is their mission to have many more cottages across the UK that will offer care to those who care.

Tara has long admired Mintridge and its ethos. It is incredible the affect of having a supportive, positive role model can make at any age, especially for a young person and it has been a joy for Tara to see the impact Mintridge has made. Tara really enjoys the charity connection that she has with Mintridge and feels very lucky and inspired to be part of the team.

KARRIE BASSETT

Trustee Lead For Finance

When Karrie completed her degree in Sport Science and History in the early 90’s there were very few opportunities for Women in Sport, this led to an alternative career in Finance becoming a Cima qualified Accountant. Karrie is currently the Finance Director for the London and South East Division for McCarthy Stone, the Country’s leading retirement developer.

The passion for sport never subsided and during this time, Karrie played football for Wimbledon Ladies FC and a 30 year spell playing hockey for various clubs in and around her home in Surrey.

At the age of 10, Karrie’s football team lost their training facility which led to a 9 year hiatus from playing organised sport. Karrie has the greatest empathy for the invaluable work that Alex and her team have been undertaking with providing the support to schools.

Since retiring from hockey 3 years ago, Karrie spends her time trail running and undertaking ultra marathons (also known as an all day buffet with friends).

KARIN SEYMOUR

Karin is a Senior Director in a large media organisation, with over 20 years of experience in Commercial functions. She is a huge supporter of women in sport and has worked on the Sunday Times Sportswoman of the Year awards for the past 5 years, building it out to ensure greater media coverage of the awards and the issues surrounding women’s sport. It is through these awards that she got to know and admire the Mintridge Foundation’s work. As a parent to two boys, she understands first-hand what sport can bring to children beyond the physical rewards and is keen to support all children being able to benefit. She founded her previous company’s parenting network, and supported parents with many topics, including children’s mental health and well-being, especially during lockdown and homeschooling. Creating a healthy, happy and resourceful next generation is something Karin cares deeply about.

JOHN DOONAN

John retired from playing rugby at the age of 46, which was a mistake, whichever way you look at it. He now keeps - relatively - fit walking the dogs and skiing. Married for 29 years to Sarah, they brought up 3 sons who are all now in their 20’s. All the family are sporty and John trained to L1 as a rugby coach and spent 6 years on the Huntingdon Stags RUFC Committee, ultimately as Chairman.

John’s business career has covered multinational corporates and start-ups - primarily in business development roles. He now acts as an Advisor to a number of companies as well as being a Director of an analytics company. John is also a qualified Leadership coach and has over 200 hours of formal business coaching under his belt. To relax, John enjoys sunny holidays, cooks, watches cookery programs while planning the next trip to the Alps and is working on a barn conversion with Sarah.

KATE RHAM

Kate is a dedicated and enthusiastic Head of Events at Breast Cancer Now by day, she has extensive experience in sports events and fundraising and a First Class Honours from the University of Warwick.

DAVID WARD

David is an Educationalist with excellent leadership experience & business knowledge. He has a wealth of successful marketing & recruitment experience both in the UK & International settings.

He has the skills and ability to restructure & reconnect schools & communities at all age groups & settings - Prep, Senior, Day & Boarding, Independent & State schools Academies or within a group.

David has a wealth of teaching, leadership, headship & management experience, curriculum design.

David retired from Headship after leading an Autism School & College rated by ISI as ‘Excellent’ in all categories located in South East London and he has both professional & personal experiences of Special Educational Needs, boarding, ISI & Estyn inspection preparation, pastoral experience, wellbeing & wellness.

Davd has supported governing bodies & various management levels.

David has a huge passion for sport and played for England Colts & Colleges, 1st XV at Bedford & Nottingham RUFC.

Outdoor Pursuits is a huge passion - especially Sailing & Marathon Canoeing.

David set up several elite school programmes in association with governing bodies (including Swimming, Canoeing & Table Tennis). This enabled all students to reach their goals and reach national and Olympic qualifications.