Our team

Richard has a long history of supporting Willow and was voted in as Chairman of the Board in 2010. Prior to this, Richard spent 35 years with Ernst & Young becoming Deputy Managing Partner of UK and Ireland. He currently has a portfolio of chair and non-executive director roles in a range of private companies and not for profit organisations.

Dave Waddington CBE joined the Board of Trustees in December 2015, after an impressive career in the RAF. He’s since founded Perspective Consultancy, supporting decision-makers on organisational capability, strategy design, and performance management. Having supported Willow for several years, Dave is committed to helping make a difference to the lives of many more young adults who face the challenge of serious illness.

Elena is a new supporter of Willow having joined the Board in June 2017. She has spent a total of twenty years in investment banking at Citigroup, Goldman Sachs and Ondra Partners. She is now acting as independent advisor and non-executive director to private and public companies.

Glyn first became aware of the Willow Foundation over 18 years ago in his role as founder and chairman of the Arsenal Supporters Trust, a position he still holds. Glyn has been a solicitor for over 34 years and is a senior corporate partner at CMS Cameron McKenna Nabarro Olswang LLP.

Martin joined the Board in March 2020. He has spent three decades in the financial services industry running trading & technology operations for global investment banks and as a CEO & COO in market infrastructure.

He was previously Group COO at TPICAP PLC, the world’s largest inter dealer broker and has served on a number of private company and non-profit boards.

Martin is an advisor to/investor in a number of start-up growth companies across fintech, healthcare and real estate.

Nick became a Trustee in 2015 after being inspired by Special Days. He is CEO of PayPal Giving Fund, which supports all kinds of charities’ work by raising new funds through technology, including Willow. Nick also sits on the advisory board for the Institute of Fundraising National Convention and has served on several trustee boards.

Paul joined the Willow Board of Trustees in 2023. Paul is CEO and founder of Gung Ho, a consumer sports, fashion and lifestyle communications agency with a focus on PR, social media, influencer and activations.

Prior to Gung Ho Paul was Global Marketing Director at Speedo for 9 years and before this role worked at a number of advertising and marketing agencies.

Rachel joined Willow as a Trustee in 2015. She is currently Associate Director of Development at Moorfields Eye Charity and has 15 years experience developing and implementing successful fundraising strategies and campaigns. Rachel is keen to help Willow boost its profile, ensuring it can provide more Special Days for all those who want one.

Stewart became a Trustee in April 2013 after discovering first hand, through his family’s experience, the difference a Special Day can make to the lives of seriously ill young adults. He brings with him over 20 years of investment banking experience and currently is Global Head of Alternatives at BMO Global Asset Management.

Vanessa joined the Board in 2020. She is currently Head of Events and Engagement at the Game and Wildlife Conservation Trust and was previously Head of Events at the National Portrait Gallery. Having worked in events and major donor fundraising for over ten years, she is responsible for advising Willow on its event programme and sits on the Events Committee.