Who We Are...

John Inverdale (President)  

John has been a staunch supporter of the charity for many years, giving up a lot of his free time away from the hectic schedule at the BBC to attend events and raise viatal funds for READY.

Colin Herridge (Chairman)

Colin joined the board of Trustee’s six months after READY was created and after Alan is the next longest serving Trustee. A businessman and ex-Treasurer of the Rugby Football Union he not only brings his considerable business acumen to the charity but also many contacts in the world of sport which is particularly useful on our golf day.

Debbie Alpin (Chairman elect)

Debbie works hard on organising READY events which have included in the past Casino evening, Charity Polo matches, Celebrity functions and Charity Balls. Debbie works for a development company which is a big supporter of READY.

Alan Halfpenny (Past Chairman & Trustee)

Alan has been a trustee since READY'S formation in 1990. He runs his own Town Planning Consultancy and in his former days he played Rugby Union. Alan himself has been disabled through playing rugby and therefore has a very good understanding of the requirements of disabled youth.

Lawrence Day JP (Trustee)

Lawrence is a retired, (and I use the word loosely), Local Government Environmental Health Officer and besides READY is a JP, School Governor and member of the St Johns Ambulance. He was also the secretary until 2000. In October 2001, Lawrence was awarded a 'Companion of the Imperial Service Order' for his long service to the realm and the community.

David Hill (Past Chairman & Trustee)

David is part of a family business which has been a staunch supporter of the charity since its inception. David also has put his best foot forward for the charity and has run several times in the London Marathon for its benefit.

Charlotte Darling (Trustee)

Charlie works tirelessly for READY organising events and charity car park days whatever the weather. She joined the Board of Trustee’s in 2004 and is a very welcome addition indeed. Charlie works for a Management Consultancy.

Colin Smith (Hon. Secretary)

Colin is an Administrative Manager for a local authority and has been working for READY since 1998 and took on the role of the secretary in 2000. “I became involved with READY after attending a presentation evening for people and companies who had helped the charity in some way”. “I was impressed with the dedication and how the charity gets right to individuals”.

Robert Dearing (Hon. Treasurer)

Robert is a qualified chartered accountant and is the Finance Director for a local company based in Twickenham. He became Treasurer in 2003.

We are also pleased to annunce the recent appointment of David Smith, Geraint Morgon and Jeff Thomas to the board of trustees.

We, who can walk on two legs straight & true,

Easily see the sapphire is blue

Are able to hear the soft hum of a bee

Run, jump and play

Everywhere, we are free

Remember the ones, who are prisoners within,

Each day a new hurdle, a battle to win

A step is a mountain, a door a brick wall

Donate them a thought

Youth depends on us all

By Mary Halfpenny

Friend of READY