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Meet the Team

 Childhood Blood Disorder Fundraising and Research
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Duncan Wood: TV Presenter, Calendar, ITV Yorkshire - Patron

Inset PhotographDuncan has been presenting ITV Yorkshire's flagship evening programme, Calendar, since May 2003. He's traveled to hundreds of locations, including Reuben's own front room!

Duncan moved to Leeds after spending nearly seven years with Britain's most watched breakfast programme GMTV. His correspondent's role took him all over the world and onto the sofa in London to present GMTV today.

He's originally from Sunderland where he began his career in journalism more than twenty years ago. Duncan's married with one daughter and can be found on the nearest golf course, trying to hang on to his four handicap when other commitments allow.

 

 

 

 

Karen Jeffery - Chairperson

boy graphicBackground: Wound Care Sales Executive for market leading French company Urgo, Mum to Olivia and Kellie-Jo.  Previous sales background in PR and recruitment.  Fund raised also for NSPCC and Cancer Research.

Alternative Career: P. A. to Peter Kaye, as he would make me laugh all day!

Favorite Read: "Hello" Magazine - incredibly sad but required "chill out therapy." Also I love autobiographies on absolutely anybody.

Person I Admire: Jane Tomlinson - "A Real Champion of Life"

Greatest Achievement: I am extremely proud of my two children.

Also, being told to remove all traces of make-up, wear fluffy slippers and a dressing gown whilst being pushed in a wheelchair as a hospital patient in order to be an extra in Yorkshire TV's Emmerdale. This was a remarkable achievement for me considering nobody ever sees me without make-up not even on the school run!!!

Philosophy: "Enjoy each day, always remain positive and treat people how you would like to be treated, laugh much "

Helen Hartley - Media Coordinator

inset photographBackground: Nursing, Midwifery, ex Sunday school teacher, mother of Samuel and Isaac, and wife to a wonderful man.

Best Decision I Ever Made: Leaving Guides and joining Scouts. Much more Fun!

Person I Admire: Terry Wogan (because he looks like my Dad)

Greatest Achievement: Completing 50 safe, but not always straight forward deliveries to gain my midwifery qualification and becoming a stronger person as a result.

Philosophy: Cherish every day you are able to put on your own belt and follow where it leads you, because one day someone else will put on that belt and take you where you don't want to be led.

 

 

Helen Barker - Trust Manager

Inset PhotographBackground: Bunny girl in a former life, mother to 2 beautiful children... dedicated Trustee to Reuben and Friends

Alternative Career: Poet

Favorite Read:Alan Bennett, David Lodge, J B Priestly

Person(s) I Admire: My Parents

Greatest Achievement: Getting into hot pants after having 2 children!

Philosophy: Love many, trust fewer and always paddle your own canoe.

 

 

 

Suzanne Howarth - Treasurer

inset photographBackground: Wife and house keeper to my untidy husband James. Full time mum. Former employee of West Yorkshire Fire Service. 16 years self-employed qualified fitness instructor. Trustee of Reuben and Friends

Alternative Career: Singer... Just one problem....can’t sing!

Favorite Read:Anything that makes me laugh

Who I would have a "One to One" with: Jonathon Ross

Greatest Achievement: Second only to my two wonderful children, being part of a great team working together in Reuben and Friends.

Philosophy: If you won't write it down then don’t say it! Keep smiling it makes people wonder what you’ve been up to!


Michelle Ogden - Deputy Treasurer

inset photgraphBackground: Linguist, Chemist, Treasurer, Trustee.

Alternative Career: Marathon Runner

Favorite Read: "OK" Magazine

Person I Admire: Ray Mears

Greatest Achievement: Taking part in 'The Great North Run' for Reuben and Friends!

Philosophy: Be the best you can.

 

 

 

 

Dawn Machell - Design Coordinator

inset photographBackground: Lived a tranquil and peaceful life until I started a family at the same time as starting my own business, now I can't remember what peace and tranquility look like!

Alternative Career: A lady of leisure!

Favorite Read: "I Am Too Absolutely Small For School" by Lauren Child - bedtime stories are all I manage to read these days!

Person I Admire: Anyone who has small children, a job AND a clean house!

Greatest Achievement: Having small children, a job and a cleaner!

Philosophy: Spend money like it's going out of fashion, drink 'till you fall over and, if a job's worth doing, it's worth giving to someone else!

 

 

Helen Layden - Events Coordinator

inset photographBackground: Nurse, ex-RAF (that's why I'm rather bossy)

Alternative Career: Psychic - is there anybody there

Favorite Read: Fantasy - the land I prefer to live in!

Person I Admire: My mother in law. Never judged. Always smiled even at the end of a battle bravely fought and lost.

Greatest Achievement: My two girls - corny but true

Philosophy: Expect the unexpected!!!

 

 

 

Gill Snaith :- Secretary and 'Catering Assistant at Reuben events'

inset photographBackground: Daughter, Semi-Wild Child, Wife, Mother, Alcoholic, Shopoholic.

Alternative Career: Pie and Pea Stall Holder

Favorite Read: Reuben Minutes - 'cause I write them !!!!

Person I Admire: My husband - corny but true.

Greatest Achievement: Getting out of bed in a morning, followed by raising my son; Joe.

Philosophy: I have 2 -
" Never judge a Book by its' cover"
" Honesty is the best policy - except when you've been shopping !!!!!!"