The Trustees are responsible for the strategic direction of the Centre and for oversight of the daily running of the Centre, which is devolved to the Centre Director who leads a small central management team. 

Our Trustees bring their own skills to the benefit of the Centre: some are service users of the Centre and all bring necessary professional skills and experience.

Lorraine Dodd (Chair)

I’ve been a Trustee of the Neuro Therapy Centre since 2015 and Chair from September 2019 following my earlier career in investment management and finance.

I have a particular interest in health and education and I was a non-executive director in the NHS at Alder Hey and the Liverpool Women’s. I saw at first hand the impact of neurological conditions on the lives of people I met through my investment career and I was delighted when the opportunity arose to become a Trustee here.

It’s a huge privilege to be part of the Neuro Therapy Centre family and to see the growing impact of its services in so many areas. I’m proud to be part of the team, helping to guide the Charity for the future

 

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Norman Holladay

 My wife and I have been Carer members since late 2021 when our son was referred to the Centre by the NHS for further rehabilitation following a brain injury in 2017. I was co-opted onto the Board of Trustees in 2022 and my appointment as a Trustee was approved at the 2023 AGM.

I am a civil engineer by profession. For 19 years I worked for an engineering consultancy on the design and construction of dams in this country and abroad. I then moved to Dee Valley Water where I worked for 21 years, first as the Planning and Regulation Manager, then as the Managing Director until I retired in 2014. Since 2017, caring for our son has been our priority.

My interests include fishing, rowing, tracing my family tree and spending time with our six grandchildren.

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Louise Eccleston

I became a trustee in 2015. I first attended a fundraising lunch for businesses connecting the Centre with the City and those of us who work there. This became a regular event so I was able to learn more about the Centre.

I am a Solicitor and have practised for almost 25 years, 22 years in Chester. I help clients with Wills and handle finance for those unable to manage themselves. I look after trusts and then administering client’s estates on their death.

I have the privilege to chat to clients in all walks of life and often meet people with health issues. Knowing more about the Centre and its work has allowed me to recommend it to a number of people.

I love walking my dog on the Clwydian hills and sometimes his friends, especially when the sun shines.

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Hilary Harris

I am a retired GP in South Manchester now living in Knutsford. My special interests were inherited diseases, screening and prevention. My visit to the Neuro Therapy Centre provided insight into the treatments on offer and an awareness of the very positive vibe of everyone I met.

I was a Trustee for Hearing Dogs for Deaf People which provided a good background to the beneficial work carried out by charities and the necessary fundraising. My late husband was profoundly deaf and benefitted greatly from the alertness and companionship of his hearing dog.

In retirement I enjoy holidays with classical music and outings to the ballet.

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Paul Crossland 

I have been a member at the centre since the summer of 2023, having been finally diagnosed with a long-term neurological condition.  I try to attend the gym at the centre at least twice a week, to keep as strong as I can for as long as I can.

I retired in April this year, bringing to a close a 40 year career in construction, building design and facilities management specialising in all things health and safety. Until this year, I was a chartered member of the Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, and a fellow of the Royal Society for Public Health.

I am originally from Flint but have lived and worked in the southeast of England most of my life, having moved back to my beloved Wales five years ago; a decision I wish I'd made decades before. I now live in Buckley with my wife and two of my three grown-up children, and a house full of cats and dogs.

  

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Mike Martin

I am delighted to rejoin Neuro Therapy Centre as a Trustee, having stood down about five years ago after a stint of 10 years.  I became involved in what was them the MS support Centre really by accident and have been proud to contribute to its significant evolution.  My late wife indeed benefited directly from its services.

Born and educated in Glasgow I first came to live in this area in 1973, and while working away and abroad, have loved living here. I am still a JP in the city although too old now to sit! I live in Christleton with a new partner and have a daughter and grandchildren in Chester.

Professionally I have worked in the IT sector most my life, in management, sales and consultancy roles but don’t ask me to fix your PC!

 

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Lou Crane

I’ve spent over 20 years running a tech business that helps SME businesses and charities work smarter - improving processes, integrating the right technology, and supporting leadership teams to make confident decisions. I love seeing how simple changes can make a big difference to how people work every day. 

Outside of my business, I’m a school governor with a focus on assessment data, helping to make sure every child’s progress is understood and supported. I’m passionate about using technology and insight to make life easier and organisations stronger.

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Helen Tate

I come from a banking background, having spent 11 years in Business and Corporate Banking, supporting businesses from start-ups to corporates.  Three years’ ago I moved away from banking and began working with health and medical technology businesses, leading growth programmes to help founders grow and scale through education, mentoring, access to markets and investor connectivity.

I’m passionate about health and wellbeing; in particular the role that technology and innovation can play in transforming healthcare systems and improving care. I’m fortunate to support tech start-ups who have the potential to make a tangible difference to health and care.

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Stella Pollard

I have 25 years lived experience and grassroots insights into a diverse range of neurological and autoimmune conditions and because of this I understand how these illnesses impact peoples’ lives and those around them. As such, being part of a purpose-driven team that contributes to making a tangible, positive impact, to so many lives affected by these complex conditions is very important to me.

As an experienced CEO, Trustee, Management Consultant and Mentor I have a diverse range of skills, capabilities, knowledge and expertise that have enabled me to work nationally and internationally across a wide spectrum of industries and sectors, leveraging capabilities and developing business systems to achieve purposeful enterprise excellence.

I am a professionally qualified member of the CIPD and additionally I hold fellowships in Marketing, Enterprise & Entrepreneurship, Learning & Performance, Occupational Learning and Training. I am also professionally qualified in Advanced Health and Social Care, Counselling & Psychotherapy.

Happily married, fortunately to another music lover, I enjoy dining out with friends, reading, writing and exploring the countryside.