Our Team
The charity benefits from a committed and active team who join in and lead activities, raise awareness, fundraise whilst supporting and advising others how to develop dementia friendly communities.
Elizabeth Hitchins
CHAIRMAN – TRUSTEE
Founder member of the charity. Worked 33 years in social care (adults and children) with Devon County Council starting as a social worker and finishing as a senior manager.
Angela Rippon
PATRON
Plymouth born, Angela is a TV Broadcaster, former BBC Newsreader, Writer and Journalist.
David Fitzgerald
PATRON
I lost my mother with dementia in 2009 having in turn lost her some five years earlier. From that moment I tried to bring the media spotlight on this ever increasing issue to create a better understanding and greater acceptance of a disease that strikes so many families. My small efforts may have made little difference to the bigger picture but if we all take a step back and focus on one part of this growing problem, the lives of so many can change for the better.
Ian Sherriff BEM
AMBASSADOR
Academic Partnership Lead for Dementia at the Faculty of Health, University of Plymouth. Founder member of this charity. Chair of the Prime Ministers Rural Dementia group and Prime National Air Transport Hidden Disability group.
Claire Puckey
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT LEAD
Worked across the statutory, charity and health sectors providing care and supporting vulnerable people. Formerly Dementia Friendly City Coordinator for Plymouth City Council for eight years before being appointed this charity’s Community Development Lead in October 2023
Judy Milam
GROUPS AND ACTIVITIES SUPPORT WORKER
Formerly worked as a PA for an NHS hospital and a GP Surgery. Judy joined the charity in 2018 and is employed to help promote and run the popular inclusive groups that operate for the benefit of people living with dementia, their carers, family and friends.
Jackie Penney Cousins
TREASURER – TRUSTEE
Retired from BT after 38 years – which included Contract Management, Procurement, and Risk & Policy Management. Joined the charity in November 2022 as trustee & treasurer
Gina Bastard
TRUSTEE
A mixed media artist, who joined initially as a volunteer after her parent died with dementia. Gina helped to form and run the successful art group for the charity and is now a trustee.
Caroline Hirst
TRUSTEE
With a background in nursing and midwifery, worked 8 years before retiring as a bank health care assistant at a local Hospice. Most recently supported her mother-in-law who had Alzheimer’s. Joined as a committee member 2014, becoming a Trustee 2019
Fiona Asián Del Barco
TRUSTEE
A former BBC Television regional news reporter and network producer, last managing public relations for an NHS health board and local government. Joined late 2015 and helps with communications
Peter Hearn
TRUSTEE
Retired as RAF Navigator after 33 years. Next 15 years spent as Queen’s Messenger travelling, usually alone, worldwide. Has been with the charity since its formation.
Amanda Wirgman
TRUSTEE
Registered nurse (working part time) initially joined the committee as the parish council representative for Wembury. Became a trustee in 2019.
Averill Fairclough
TRUSTEE
Retired Home Economist and Retailer. Family history of Dementia. Joined the committee in 2023.
Dermod Drought
TRUSTEE
A medical rep for 30 years. Since retirement in 1998, has been a Parish Councillor, representing them for this charity and various other organisations including the 4 Rivers Dementia Alliance.
Julie Carson
COMMITTEE MEMBER
With a varied career mainly focusing on sport marketing, sponsorship, and fundraising, Julie is currently the business owner of TEC Packaging based in Plymouth. She is also District Councillor for Brixton, Wembury, and Sherford. Her mother-in-law is currently in a dementia care home.
Dr Linda Durman
COMMITTEE MEMBER
Retired GP with a special interest in the link between hearing loss and dementia. Committee member since 2022
Mo Joce
COMMITTEE MEMBER
33 years in commercial procurement and has ‘Chartered Institution of Purchasing and Supply’ status. First learned about the charity whilst helping to look after her father-in-law who had Alzheimer’s. Joined the committee in late 2022 after losing her sister to dementia.
Mary Norton
COMMITTEE MEMBER
Retired Chartered Accountant. From 2009-18 was secretary of Ivybridge branch of the St Vincent de Paul Society, a voluntary R C charity. Was a carer for her husband who had Alzheimer’s Disease. Both were users of this charity’s activities. Joined the committee late 2023.
Adrienne Kennedy
COMMITTEE MEMBER
Retired Pharmacist after 37 years, principally working in NHS manufacturing. Joined DFPY committee in 2023 as I wanted to support such an amazing local charity having had two family members with dementia.
Nick Lowe
COMMITTEE MEMBER
General dental practice for 40 years – now retired. Some experience dealing with dementia issues with both patients and close relatives.
Rob Hirst
MINUTE TAKER
Retired in 2018 as a GP after 28 years but still works part time for the Judiciary sitting on a tribunal panel hearing social security appeals. He has current experience of caring for his mother who has Alzheimer’s dementia. Rob started volunteering for the charity in early 2021.
