Current trustees
| Steve Cocker | Cambridgeshire | Chair | |
| Steve Torricelli | W. Sussex | Vice chair | |
| John McKenzie | Warwickshire | Treasurer | |
| Sarah Roberts | Oxfordshire | ||
| David Mateer | N Ireland | ||
| Cath McNicol | Cleveland | ||
| Hilary Rattue | London | ||
| Magda Sereda | Buckinghamshire |
| Jonathan Griffith Surrey |
We asked some of our current Trustees why they chose to get involved:
Steve Cocker
"After my son Fergus died of SMARD (SMA with Respiratory Distress) in September 2005, I became a Contact Volunteer in 2006 before joining the board of Trustees in 2007. Initially, my main aim was to be the board representative for SMARD to ensure it was accounted for in decisions made on research and support services. But I soon realised that being a Trustee was a lot more than being the voice for a particular condition. Taking on the role of a Trustee is a serious responsibility and demands that you have a good enough understanding of all aspects of the running of a charity, so that you can make sound decisions on its governance and strategy."
"In 2010, I was elected as Chair of Trustees. This is a demanding but very rewarding position for many reasons but most importantly because I get to work closely with two great groups of people - the staff and my fellow Trustees. "
Steve Torricelli
"I have been a Trustee of JTSMA for4 years and am also Vice Chair. I have a very understanding wife (I have a passion for motorbikes!) and three great kids. My eldest Rebecca, aged 11, has SMA Type II and JTSMA were there to support us from the beginning, at a time when no when else in the NHS could provide guidance. I am a qualified accountant and always wanted to use my experience for the benefit of others, hence why I became a Trustee. I am passionate about what the Trust does and how it supports people during their times of need when SMA impacts their lives so immensely. I have met some great people along the way and it never ceases to amaze me the power of sharing experiences and supporting others, which is a fundamental part of what the Contact Volunteer group achieves. I have a lot of experience of the voluntary sector and I can honestly say I am proud of how professional and efficient JTSMA is as a vital backbone for people living with SMA."
David Mateer
“My family and I have lived with Spinal Muscular Atrophy for nearly 18 years. Shortly after our daughter Suzanne was diagnosed with SMA type II we got involved with the Jennifer Trust. We travelled to conference in Stratford upon Avon every year were we found the opportunity to soak up much valuable information from the staff, volunteers and speakers but also to get together with other families, gather with old friends, establish new friendships with a common bond and share the roller coaster experiences of SMA.
In those early days there was little or no direct support in Northern Ireland for SMA. As we grew in confidence with Suzanne’s condition we became Northern Ireland’s Contact Family and with the support of the Jennifer Trust we have set up a small cluster group.
My wife Margaret had been a trustee with The Jennifer Trust for 12 years. When it was her time to stand down I felt that not only did I want her good work to continue here in Northern Ireland and throughout The Jennifer Trust but with my personal experiences with SMA and other organisations will enable me to make sure the interests of the memberships are met and give us all hope for tomorrow.
If anyone would like to have a discussion with me/email about how they feel about the trust or anything they would like me to bring to committee don’t hesitate to make contact .”
Sarah Roberts
"I first came into contact with The Jennifer Trust when my next door neighbour’s baby was diagnosed with SMA type 1 in 2010. I had never heard of SMA before and being so close to my neighbour’s situation, I witnessed first hand what a devastating condition SMA is.
"Through my brand and marketing experience I have previously had opportunities to work with charities and each time I have had great satisfaction seeing the difference my work has made, developing better communications and helping them raise their profiles.
When I found out that The Jennifer Trust was looking for Trustees, especially with marketing experience, I felt compelled to put myself forward. After getting to know Olivia and then having to say goodbye so suddenly has really had its effect and I feel quite passionately about seeing The Jennifer Trust succeed in its objectives. The team who make up The Jennifer Trust are wonderful, dedicated people and I hope my skills and knowledge will continue to support them."
