The Bishop of Bath & Wells and Mrs Price MBE

The Rt Revd Peter Price and his wife Dee became Patrons of SSIT in 2010.  Peter trained as a teacher in Bristol, and then spent six years teaching before studying for the ministry at Oak Hill College. He worked in a variety of parishes before becoming Chancellor of Southwark Cathedral and Chairman of the Diocesan Board of Mission. In 1992 he was appointed General Secretary of the United Society for the Propagation of the Gospel (USPG), visiting more than 20 countries in that work. He became Area Bishop of Kingston in the Diocese of Southwark in 1997.  

In 2002 Peter became the 78th Bishop of Bath & Wells, a diocese which was founded in AD909, and which covers the historic county of Somerset. As Chairman of the Trustees of the Bishop’s Palace in Wells he has overseen the planning of the current Development Project, which aims to secure the future historic mediaeval Palace and open it up to the public in new ways. In 2008 Bishop Peter became one of the 24 Anglican Bishops who serve in the House of Lords.

Dee was made MBE in 2010 for her charitable services, notably to Save the Children. They have four adult sons and five grandchildren.

> Back to top

Lucinda Green MBE RSA

Former world champion equestrian, Lucinda Green won the Badminton Horse Trials an unprecedented six times on six different horses. She now combines a coaching career with journalism. Lucinda, who lives in Andover, is a founding Patron of SSIT.

“As someone who’s spent their life involved in the equestrian world, I am acutely aware that spinal cord injury is a risk of the sport. I have been incredibly lucky but have friends who have sustained an injury resulting in paralysis and so have seen the impact first hand; it really is the most devastating of injuries resulting in a total life change.

I was delighted to be asked to serve as Patron of SSIT when the charity was formed in 2006.  My involvement with SSIT has made me realise that it’s not just dangerous sports which can result in a spinal cord injury.  It really can happen to anyone, doing the most everyday of activities.  

So much has happened in the last few years and I am delighted that all the hard work of so many volunteers has paid off.  The work that SSIT does really makes a difference to so many lives and I am proud to be part of it.”

Photograph: Fiona Scott-Maxwell

> Back to top

Geoff Holt MBE

Record-breaking sailor and ambassador for disability, Geoff Holt MBE became the first quadriplegic to sail across the Atlantic in January 2010. Some 25 years ago and aged just 18, Geoff was one of the first patients to be cared for at the Spinal Centre in Salisbury.

Geoff became a Patron of SSIT in 2010. 

“I’m delighted to offer my support to the Southern Spinal Injuries Trust. The charity was not around when I was injured but on my regular visits to the Spinal Centre I can see the difference that it has made. The equipment that SSIT has provided helps enormously with the rehabilitation of patients.”

> Back to top

Robert Key

Robert Key was brought up in Salisbury, became a teacher and then served as MP for Salisbury for 27 years. He served as a Minister in two Governments and in opposition he joined the Defence Select Committee, visiting HM Forces on the front line, and in hospitals and rehabilitation centres at Hedley Court, Combat Stress and, of course, Salisbury District Hospital. He lives in Salisbury with his wife, Sue.

"SSIT makes an immediate, focussed and heart-warming impact on the brave people it serves.  I am delighted to be involved in its work."

> Back to top

Sir Hayden and Lady Phillips

Hayden and Laura Phillips were founding Patrons of SSIT. Hayden retired from the Civil Service in 2004 finishing his career with 12 years as a Permanent Secretary, first of the Department for Culture Media and Sport and then of what is now the Ministry of Justice. He works as a Director of three companies in the private sector in financial services, and also in advertising regulation; is the Chairman of the National Theatre and of Marlborough College; and is a Deputy Lieutenant of Wiltshire. Laura was for many years Chairman of the Siobhan Davies Dance Company and is the Chairman of the Salisbury International Arts Festival, is on the Board of the Rambert Ballet School and is a Governor of Salisbury Cathedral School. They live at Homington Farm near Salisbury where they grow combinable crops and have a herd of Longhorn cattle and a flock of Wiltshire Horn sheep.

“Spinal cord injury can be sudden and traumatic for the individual, for his or her family and for the community in which they live. The work of SSIT in tackling the consequences is an exemplar of holistic medical and social support. It is a vital and compelling cause which we are delighted to support.” 
Sir Hayden Phillips

> Back to top

Vikram Seth

An award-winning novelist, poet and travel writer, Vikram Seth trained as an economist and has lived for several years each in England, California, China and India.  He is the author of The Golden Gate: A Novel in Verse, From Heaven Lake: Travels through Sinkiang and Tibet, A Suitable Boy, An Equal Music, Arion and the Dolphin, and four volumes of poetry, including Beastly Tales. Vikram now lives near Salisbury and is involved in local literary and cultural events.

> Back to top

David Chapple FRCS

David Chapple is the Consultant Spinal Surgeon for the Duke of Cornwall Spinal Treatment Centre. He was appointed Consultant Orthopaedic and Spinal Surgeon to Salisbury NHS Foundation Trust in 2001 and has been a Trustee of SSIT since the charity was formed in 2006.

David trained as an undergraduate at St Thomas’s Hospital, London and as a Specialist Registrar at St George’s Hospital London. Before becoming a consultant at Salisbury he worked in the Spinal Injuries Unit in Adelaide, Australia as a Clinical and Research Fellow.

David feels passionately about the positive role SSIT can play in enabling and facilitating patients with spinal cord injuries to rebuild their lives. The Jubilee Garden Project was initiated by him. 

“We hope that the Jubilee Garden will become a place of sanctuary for patients during their long stay at the Unit and will also serve to help them develop new skills. People with spinal cord injury experience a dramatic change in the way their time is spent. Hobbies, such as gardening, will be an integral part of their rehabilitation process. The ultimate aim of this project is to stimulate a life long interest in gardening which will continue to grow after leaving the unit.”

> Back to top

Emma Crofton

Emma Crofton has been an army wife for over 30 years. She is the mother of two sons, both of whom seemed destined to follow a military career. Life in the Crofton household has always been dominated by watching or taking part in sport and as Emma was a keen horsewoman herself, she is only too aware of the risks involved in all types of sporting activities.

Emma has enjoyed working with the elderly - running a day centre, cooking in a care home for the mentally frail - and, as a volunteer, providing a monthly lunch for 60 OAPs in the Petersfield area. She has also worked as a carer with severely disabled young people and the terminally ill.

In August 2001 life changed radically for the Crofton family when Emma’s 20 year old son George broke his neck diving into a marina in Spain.  He was treated in the Duke of Cornwall Spinal Treatment Centre.  

Nine years later and with plenty of first hand knowledge of spinal cord injury, Emma was delighted when asked to become a Trustee of SSIT.   

"SSIT was not around when George was a patient at the Spinal Centre, but he has recently benefited from the improved inpatient facilities funded by SSIT.   

After suffering a deep pressure sore which kept him in bed for four months, George requested a visit from the domiciliary nurses attached to the Spinal Centre and as a result the cause of the wound was instantly diagnosed by a pressure mapping device which SSIT had funded. 

For anyone with a spinal cord injury the most important thing is the prevention of pressure sores, and if you are unfortunate enough to have suffered one, it is essential to discover the cause, in order to prevent a repeat."

Emma is looking forward to helping other victims of spinal cord injuries through her work as a Trustee of SSIT.

> Back to top

Elaine Gaffney

Elaine Gaffney is a Spinal Nurse Practitioner who has been connected to the Duke of Cornwall Spinal Treatment Centre since 1987.  She has been in her current position for 11 years and her roles include supporting the medical team with the day-to-day management of in patients, as well as jointly leading the Acute Outreach Services and Outreach Review Clinics.

Elaine undertook her General Nurse Training and Orthopaedic Diploma in London before specialising in the management of patients with spinal cord injury in Salisbury.

She has spent time living and working in Canada and New Zealand, as well as travelling outside of the UK with people with spinal cord injury.

Elaine was delighted to be invited to become a trustee of SSIT and is very positive about the difference SSIT can make to people with spinal cord injury. 

“The insight afforded me by travelling abroad with people with a disability has been invaluable. Seeing how things are away from the security of the hospital environment has given me another dimension to my understanding of what is possible with a little help and support, and a lot of determination. However, without financial support, determination is sadly not always enough. SSIT may be one way forward for people who otherwise have found doors closing for them ”.

> Back to top

Victoria Holton

Vicky Holton was injured in 2002, breaking her C5 vertebra and damaging her spinal cord whilst on holiday in Spain.  Having spent 18 months in the Duke of Cornwall Spinal Treatment Centre, she left the hospital and set about getting used to her 'new life'. In 2007, when invited to become a Trustee of SSIT, she jumped at the chance.   

"Having been through the experience of a spinal cord injury myself I can clearly see the difference that SSIT could make to people's lives."

With a degree in 3D Design and nine years experience in marketing and new product development, Vicky has a keen interest in all things creative and is currently helping organise a high profile art exhibition in aid of three spinal injury charities including SSIT.

> Back to top

Jeremy Major FCA

As a director of Smith & Williamson Ltd, Jeremy Major was involved in establishing SSIT in 2006 after his secretary Sally Mathieson suffered a spinal cord injury. 

“It was only when Sally had her accident that I became aware of the difficulties facing people with spinal cord injuries and the lack of funding available for specialist equipment" commented Jeremy. "It has been really wonderful to see how the right equipment can make such a change to an individual’s life.”

As an active fundraiser, Jeremy climbed the Three Peaks in 2007 and recently walked the length of Hadrian’s Wall in under 48 hours.

> Back to top

Lady Margadale

Amanda Margadale was a founding Trustee of SSIT in 2006. A keen horsewoman, Amanda is fully aware that spinal cord injury is a risk of the sport and knows a number of people who have been treated at the Spinal Centre in Salisbury.

With exceptional resources, huge amounts of energy and incredible organisation, Amanda has fundraised successfully for SSIT on numerous occasions. In 2008 the Fonthill Fiesta, hosted by Amanda and her husband Alastair, raised £75,000 for the charity. Amanda is currently organising a charity dinner at Longleat House.

“I am delighted to be involved with such a worthwhile charity. The funding that SSIT provides to both the Spinal Centre and individuals can make a real difference to the lives of people who have suffered from appalling tragedies.”

> Back to top

Sally Mathieson

It was Sally’s idea to set up a charity to support the Duke of Cornwall Spinal Treatment Centre. In June 2006 a freak accident falling from a hammock left her with a broken neck and unable to walk again. She spent nearly nine months rehabilitating in the Spinal Centre in Salisbury.

Talking about setting up the charity, Sally said:“I had such a high standard of care at the Spinal Centre that I wanted to give something back. My own experience with wheelchairs and beds offered by local authorities made me realise that there was a desperate need for a charity to help provide quality equipment to spinal cord injured people to ease the difficult process of adjusting to their new lifestyle.”

A former employee of Salisbury-based Smith & Williamson where she worked for 13 years, Sally was voted Charity Fundraiser of the Year in the Salisbury Journal and Spire FM People Awards for 2008.

> Back to top

Annie Maw

Annie Maw broke her back in a riding accident in 2002. She was left paralysed from the upper chest down and spent nine months in the Spinal Centre where the expert care she received helped her to rebuild her life. She was discharged as a permanent wheelchair occupant. 

Annie was appointed High Sheriff of Somerset in 2008-9 and became a Trustee of SSIT in July 2009.  

“The funding that SSIT provides can make such an enormous difference to the life of a spinal cord injured person. A suitable mattress for their bed or even an adequate wheelchair, can really help a person regain his or her dignity and the chance of leading a fulfilling and independent life. I am delighted to be actively involved with the charity.”

A keen gardener before her accident, Annie is actively involved in fundraising for the Jubilee Garden project. She developed her own accessible garden in 2010 and writes a monthly blog about its progress. Read more.

> Back to top

Stephen Oxley

Stephen Oxley is the Senior Partner of Wilsons Solicitors LLP and the head of its employment department. He qualified as a solicitor at Withers in London and joined Wilsons in 1985.  He was the Managing Partner for seven years. Stephen specialises in advising schools, charities and businesses on all aspects of employment regulation. A founding Trustee of SSIT, Stephen is also a trustee of a number of other charities and the Chairman of Odstock Private Care Limited.  

> Back to top

Susan Shaw

Susan Shaw is a director of Smith & Williamson Ltd and worked closely with Sally Mathieson for several years before her accident in June 2006. The problems Sally experienced, with funding for specialist equipment on discharge from the Spinal Centre, were the driving force behind the setting up of the charity.  

Susan has been an active supporter of SSIT fundraising events including being the driver for the Three Peaks Challenge and West Wiltshire Way walkers. Susan uses her accountancy expertise regarding charities for the benefit of the Trust.

> Back to top

Anba Soopramanien FRCP

Anba Soopramanien was a Consultant in Spinal Injuries and Rehabilitation Medicine at the Duke of Cornwall Spinal Treatment Centre for over ten years and retired from the NHS in 2009. 

In addition to working in other spinal units in the UK and Europe, Anba had clinical attachments in the USA.  He was employed by the International Red Cross for three years as Head of Rehabilitation on a 100 bed spinal unit and an outpatient prosthetic centre in Pakistan, and for another two years on a 50 bed spinal unit in Romania. He saw first hand how charities can significantly change the lives of people affected by disabilities, and welcomed the setting up of SSIT.

Anba has been a Trustee of SSIT on its formation in 2006.  

"I always look beyond the confines of clinical work, and have a good understanding of the problems faced by people with a spinal cord injury.  Many are struggling to deal with all sorts of challenges and although medical help and rehabilitation are a key part of the process of adjustment to their situation, financial help from SSIT can also make a real difference. There is a real need for SSIT to provide help to individuals living with a spinal cord injury, and enhancing in-patient facilities at the Spinal Centre."

> Back to top

Graham Waterton

Graham Waterton is a Partner with Strutt & Parker and for over ten years was the Partner in charge of their Salisbury office. Graham was deeply shocked to hear of Sally Mathieson’s accident which resulted in a spinal cord injury. He was therefore delighted to accept an invitation to become a Trustee of the newly formed SSIT.

“My involvement with SSIT has brought me in contact with a number of spinal injury patients. It’s wonderful to be able to help individuals lead a more active and independent life, by providing important mobility equipment to them quickly and efficiently.”

> Back to top