Chair: Julie Duff
Julie has been involved in Cheshire Down’s Syndrome Support Group from the early days. She became involved when her son Josh was about 12 months old. Josh has Down’s syndrome and Julie really saw the value of having a group where you could share experiences and learn from each other. She was enchanted by the supportive community that she had been thrown into.
Life BC (Before children) Julie studied Business and after graduating many years ago, she worked in a number of roles in HR at Virgin Trains, Accenture and Orange. This experience has really helped Julie grow and shape the charity from its wonderful beginnings to a more stable and sustainable charity that will help to support future generations of children with Down’s syndrome.
Treasurer, Rachael Ryder
Rachael is a management accountant (CIMA qualified). She has worked in industry financial roles for over 25 years (including British Airways, Alliance & Leicester, Airtours) where she specialised in analytical roles. Rachael is currently self employed with her main client being in the construction industry. Rachael is married to Ian and has 3 children. She became the Treasurer in 2017 and has thoroughly enjoyed being involved with the charity and watching it grow.
Education Trustee, Phil Hilditch
Phil has more than 40 years experience working in education, spending the last 21 years as the head teacher at Davenham CE Primary school. He brings a wealth of experience in the education sector. His vast amount of knowledge and understanding in the field provides invaluable support to the Charity.
Parent representative Trustee, Anna Varela-Raynes
Anna is mum to two sets of twins. She received a postnatal diagnosis of Down’s syndrome for her youngest child. Anna says that from the early days CDSSG has been a great support for her family providing them with information and advice and access to training courses, playgroups and providing the chance to meet other families.
Secretary Trustee, Anne Lewis
Anne is a retired Personal Secretary for ONS and Employment Department within Runcorn. She currently volunteers for Halton Heritage Partnership and Norton Priory, and a founder member and Trustee of Runcorn Locks Restoration Society. Anne became a grandmother of Evan born on 17th December 2019 who has Down’s syndrome. Congratulations Anne on your gorgeous grandson! With a lifetime of experience in both employment and volunteer roles, Anne is going to be a great asset to our Board of Trustee’s.
Post-18 parent Trustee, Sue Tranter
Sue is mum to four boys, the youngest of which Joe, has Down’s Syndrome. He is currently in his final year at Petty Pool College. Sue recently retired after working for many years in administration at a local primary school. Sue has been involved with the CDSSG since Joe was young and appreciates the support from the amazing community that is the CDSSG.
Human resources and business Trustee, Katie Mattinson
Katie first started volunteering for CDSSG about 3-4 years ago, at first decorating Christmas baubles and presenting the school awareness assemblies, then moving on to helping with recruitment of some of the amazing people who keep the charity running. Katie has volunteered in many roles over the years, including Parish Council and school Governor positions, but her career background was focused on recruiting the right people to the right job and keeping them happily there! The passion of all the people involved in CDSSG is infectious and Katie is honoured to be a part of the team.
Community Representative Trustee, Gina Hulme
Gina works with Healthwatch in Northwich and the Countess of Chester Hospital. She is also an ambassador for the Special Olympics Great Britain Team. having competed for GB in gymnastics. As a trustee of Cheshire Down’s Syndrome Support Group, Gina represents the views of our members and supports us to develop interesting and inclusive services.