• .
  • What is FND
    • Diagnosis
    • Symptoms
      • Bladder and Bowel Changes
      • Chronic Pain
      • Cognitive Changes
      • Gait & Balance Problems
      • Headaches & Migraines
      • Involuntary Movements
      • Paralysis & Weakness
      • Functional Seizures
      • Sensory Changes
      • Sleep Disturbances
      • Speech Problems
      • Visual Changes
    • FND Treatment
      • Physio/Physical Therapy
      • FND Rehabilitation Therapy
      • Psychological Treatment
      • Medication
      • FND Techniques and Self Care
    • Common Questions
    • 10 Myths about FND
  • Managing FND
    • FND and COVID-19
    • Find Provider
    • FND Patients
    • Carers/Caregivers
    • Medical Professionals
    • FND Techniques
      • Balance
      • Exercise
      • Managing Pain
      • Mindfulness
      • Nutrition
      • Sleep
      • Relaxation
      • Grounding Techniques
  • What We Do
    • Peer Support/Blogs
    • FND Event Calendar
    • FND News
    • FND Downloads
    • FND Webinars
    • FND Videos
    • FND Resources
      • FND Patient Booklet
      • FND Magazine
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      • Functional Terms Defined
      • Acronym Guide
  • How To Help
    • Donate
    • Fundraise/Events
    • Volunteer
    • FND Advocacy
    • Subscribe to Newsletter
    • World FND Month
    • FND Conference
    • FND Hope and The Mighty
  • FND Research
    • FND Patient Registry
      • FND Scientific Registry-live
    • FND Researchers
    • FND Hope Research
    • FND Research-Articles
      • Impaired Self-Agency In Functional Movement Disorders: A Resting State fMRI Study
      • Neural Correlates of Recall of Life Events In Conversion Disorder
      • A preliminary investigation of sleep quality in FND
      • Life Events and Escape In Conversion Disorder
      • Research–Non-Epileptic Seizure
      • Research – Functional Neurological Disorder
      • Research Fibromyalgia
      • Research-Functional Dystonia
      • CODES Trial
      • Research – Occupational Therapy Consensus Recommendations for FND
      • Research – Dissociation and Interoception in FND
  • Who We Are
    • Contact FND Hope
    • FND Hope Board Members
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      • US Support Services
      • US Events
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      • FND Hope UK News
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      • FND Hope UK Events
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        • UK Fundraising Promise & Complaints
        • Legacy Donations
      • FND Hope UK Shop
      • Who Are We -FND Hope UK
      • FND Hope UK Medical Expert Committee
      • Obtaining your Medical Records in the UK
    • FND Hope CA
      • CA Support Services
      • CA FND Events
    • FND Hope AU
    • Patient Stories
  • #FNDandUS
FND Hope InternationalFND Hope International
FND Hope InternationalFND Hope International
Empowering Patients to Better Health
  • .
  • What is FND
    • Diagnosis
    • Symptoms
      • Bladder and Bowel Changes
      • Chronic Pain
      • Cognitive Changes
      • Gait & Balance Problems
      • Headaches & Migraines
      • Involuntary Movements
      • Paralysis & Weakness
      • Functional Seizures
      • Sensory Changes
      • Sleep Disturbances
      • Speech Problems
      • Visual Changes
    • FND Treatment
      • Physio/Physical Therapy
      • FND Rehabilitation Therapy
      • Psychological Treatment
      • Medication
      • FND Techniques and Self Care
    • Common Questions
    • 10 Myths about FND
  • Managing FND
    • FND and COVID-19
    • Find Provider
    • FND Patients
    • Carers/Caregivers
    • Medical Professionals
    • FND Techniques
      • Balance
      • Exercise
      • Managing Pain
      • Mindfulness
      • Nutrition
      • Sleep
      • Relaxation
      • Grounding Techniques
  • What We Do
    • Peer Support/Blogs
    • FND Event Calendar
    • FND News
    • FND Downloads
    • FND Webinars
    • FND Videos
    • FND Resources
      • FND Patient Booklet
      • FND Magazine
      • Quick Reference Information
      • Functional Terms Defined
      • Acronym Guide
  • How To Help
    • Donate
    • Fundraise/Events
    • Volunteer
    • FND Advocacy
    • Subscribe to Newsletter
    • World FND Month
    • FND Conference
    • FND Hope and The Mighty
  • FND Research
    • FND Patient Registry
      • FND Scientific Registry-live
    • FND Researchers
    • FND Hope Research
    • FND Research-Articles
      • Impaired Self-Agency In Functional Movement Disorders: A Resting State fMRI Study
      • Neural Correlates of Recall of Life Events In Conversion Disorder
      • A preliminary investigation of sleep quality in FND
      • Life Events and Escape In Conversion Disorder
      • Research–Non-Epileptic Seizure
      • Research – Functional Neurological Disorder
      • Research Fibromyalgia
      • Research-Functional Dystonia
      • CODES Trial
      • Research – Occupational Therapy Consensus Recommendations for FND
      • Research – Dissociation and Interoception in FND
  • Who We Are
    • Contact FND Hope
    • FND Hope Board Members
    • International Medical Advisory Board
    • FND Hope US
      • US Support Services
      • US Events
    • FND Hope UK
      • FND Hope UK News
      • UK FND Treatment
      • UK Support Services
      • UK FND Peer Support Groups
      • FND Hope UK EventsAll support groups.
      • Donate to FND Hope UK
        • UK Fundraising Promise & Complaints
        • Legacy Donations
      • FND Hope UK Shop
      • Who Are We -FND Hope UK
      • FND Hope UK Medical Expert Committee
      • Obtaining your Medical Records in the UK
    • FND Hope CA
      • CA Support Services
      • CA FND Events
    • FND Hope AU
    • Patient Stories
  • #FNDandUS

Who Are We -FND Hope UK

Home Who Are We -FND Hope UK

Who are we?

FND Hope UK is managed by its board of trustees who have experience of Functional Neurological Disorder and its impact.

As a board of trustees, we plan the strategic development of FND Hope UK (Registered Charity England & Wales 1173607 and Scotland SC048333) and are responsible for its policies and work of the charity.  We have a range of business, financial, management and legal experience.

Our Legal duties are to:

  • Act in our charities best interest
  • Manage our charities resources responsibly
  • Act with reasonable care and skill

Trustees are elected by FND Hope UK and serve for a minimum of 3 years.

If you are interested in becoming a Trustee, please contact FND Hope UK for further information

fndhopeuk@fndhope.org

Welcome FND Hope UK’s New Patron, Lorraine Kelly!

Lorraine Kelly, OBE is an avid Dundee United supporter as well as host of her own ITV show “Lorraine”.  Born in Glasgow, Lorraine joined her local weekly newspaper The East Kilbride News aged seventeen.  In 1983, she joined BBC Scotland as a researcher, and a year later she became TVam’s Scottish correspondent covering stories like the Piper Alpha disaster and the Lockerbie bombing. She went on to co-host TVam and GMTV.  In 2012, Lorraine was awarded the OBE by HM The Queen for services to charity and the armed forces at Holyrood Palace in Edinburgh. She was Hon Colonel of the Black Watch Cadets and a former Rector of Dundee University. She is a patron of Help For Heroes. Lorraine lives in Buckinghamshire with her husband Steve, daughter Rosie and their dog Angus.

MEET OUR TRUSTEES FOR ENGLAND, WALES AND SCOTLAND

Matt Birtwistle

Matt, is a Chartered Accountant and seasoned IT professional with over 20 years’ experience of helping organisations transform themselves through using technology. Matt brings his professional expertise in strategic business planning and analysis; financial management; project management; process improvement; compliance; and IT infrastructure.

Having acted as an advisor to many global industries, Matt is an experienced communicator and negotiator at all levels within an organisation. He can foster and build relationships across cultures having led and worked with many multi-country teams.

Matt’s wife was diagnosed with FND in August 2015 after suffering with symptoms for many years. As her carer, he knows the day by day struggles that go with trying to cope with everyday life. He is passionate about raising awareness of FND and increasing the availability of multi-disciplinary support to help sufferers and their families.

Abigail Bishop-Laggett

Abigail is a public relations and government affairs professional who is experienced in supporting healthcare organisations raise awareness of complex or lesser-known conditions. Abigail works with a range of organisations from international pharmaceutical companies to local charities, with particular experience in neurological conditions and improving care for the thousands of people in the UK impacted by conditions like Alzheimer’s Disease and Multiple Sclerosis. Abigail specialises in government and NHS engagement, making the case for policy change to improve care for these often under-prioritised conditions.

Abigail joined our Board of Trustees in November 2020, after learning about the impact of FND through our online community and website. Abigail is passionate about increasing understanding and awareness of FND and achieving greater recognition in the health system so that individuals, families and carers can feel better supported and heard.

Bridget Mildon

Bridget Mildon, is President and Founder of FND Hope. FND Hope is the first non-profit organization specifically for those diagnosed with Functional Neurological Disorder and related illnesses. A proponent of FND patient rights, Bridget is an active voice for FND patients.  Her diverse experience and knowledge have cultivated into a unique perspective for those facing medical uncertainty and battling the challenges of living with Functional Neurological Disorder.

Cindy Smulders

Cindy has been an experienced Global Training Consultant for the past 27 years and helps people improve how they present and communicate within the corporate world, she brings with her professional expertise as a Professional and Motivational Speaker, Sales and Management consultant and works for some of the top Fortune 500 Companies in many different industries from banking to pharmaceuticals.

Cindy is a wife and mother to 2 children and joined our Board of Trustee on the 3rdOctober 2018 after one of her children received a diagnosis of FND. Cindy is very keen and passionate in helping to support all the parents and carers within our community under the age of 18 years old, and challenge the lack of treatment protocols in place for our young adults.

Louyse McConnell-Trevillion

Louyse McConnell-Trevillion, BComm (Hons) (Edinburgh Uni), DipLP,(Edinburgh Uni) PC.dp, Solicitor, Notary Public, lives in Scotland with her husband and two children. “Lou” studied law at Edinburgh University and later worked as a Scottish Government lawyer for 16 years. During that time she provided advice to the Lord Advocate and the Solicitor General in their responsibilities under the Scotland Act 1998 and other non-criminal matters. Lou advised on the legality of laws passed by the Scottish Parliament, prepared Opinions for the Lord Advocate in relation to Government and liaised with solicitors from the UK Government Law Officers and the Scottish Parliament. Her main legal specialism is in data protection and freedom of information providing advice on this during her time with the Scottish Government and was responsible for ensuring that data protection was built into the Public Inquiry during its design stage.

Like many others, Lou’s journey to formal diagnosis of FND was a long one. A decline in health led Lou to leave the Scottish Government and established a Consultancy Business with her husband providing advice on data protection and freedom of information. Lou states, “In her early 20s I would suddenly fall to the ground with no warning. As they were infrequent I paid them little attention.” In 2012 Lou was admitted to hospital as she was completely paralysed and intermittently mute. After being tested for numerous possible conditions she was referred to a specialist Consultant Neurologist and diagnosed with FND.

Lou is quick to say, “My family and I have had to teach ourselves how to deal with my FND and its impact not only on myself but also on them. They give me excellent support. I feel very honoured to be a member of FND Hope UK and will work will all my energy and passion into achieving greater awareness, training and health care for those with FND and their families.”

Robert Wilson Thomas

Robert is a proud Welshman, something he rarely lets people forget. He has been a practicing barrister-at-law since 1977, before which he read for a degree in chemical engineering. His legal practice started in intellectual property (on which he is the co-author of a number of reference books) then developed into licensing technology, mostly in a hi-tech environment, complex international commercial contracts, international law, telecommunications and data protection.

He developed Functional Neurological Disorder, rapid onset, following a major chemical clash and two cardiac arrests, after an operation to remove a tumour on his kidney, in late 2016.

Robert is no stranger to long-term and life-changing illness. He is not ashamed to admit that he has been bipolar, probably since his mid-teens, although he was formally diagnosed only in 1989. He also has lived with Type 1 diabetes since 1996. Both these conditions are well controlled. He survived major surgery for neck and throat cancer in 2006 and was pronounced cancer free in mid-2018.

Joyce Davies

Joyce had completed a Masters Degree in Clinical Psychology at the University of Liverpool and worked as Consultant Clinical Psychologist in the NHS until she became ill in her late forties. Joyce was diagnosed with FND in 2017 by Professor Jon Stone, including Complex PTSD. Joyce is a mother to 3 daughters, one a Staff nurse in Haematology, one a junior doctor and the youngest a medical student. Joyce has been married for 25 Years and has held many positions in her career as Head of Services and at Consultant level.

Joyce is actively involved in Politics and is now the Neurodiversity Education Officer within the SNP Executive Disabled Members Group. Joyce has previously been a Trustee at the Shetland Arts and has exhibited art within Scotland and Internationally. Joyce is currently studying Art at university of the Highlands and Islands and is qualified in both mental health nursing and also learning disabilities.

Joyce joined our Board of Trustees in September and is very keen to make a difference to those diagnosed with FND, by raising awareness in Scotland

England & Wales Charity Information
Scotland Charity Information

Related

  • FND Hope UK
  • FND Treatment UK
  • UK Support Services
  • UK FND Peer Support Groups
  • UK Event Calendar
  • Donate to FND Hope UK
    • Legacy Donations
  • UK Fundraising Promise & Complaints
  • FND Hope UK Medical Expert Committee
  • Obtaining your Medical Records in the UK
  • Who Are We-UK
  • FND Hope UK Shop
  • FND Hope UK News

Meet More Team Members

FND Hope Research Board Members

FND Hope Research Board Members

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Robert Wilson Thomas

Robert Wilson Thomas

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REGISTERED CHARITY ENGLAND & WALES 1173607

REGISTERED CHARITY ENGLAND & WALES

Charity no.: 1173607

Charity Address: 21 Chetwode, Banbury, Oxfordshire, OX16 1QN


OBJECTIVES

The relief of sickness and preservation of health of those affected by Functional Neurological Disorder (FND) and their families, carers and communities.  In particular, but not exclusively by:

  • Raising awareness and understanding of the general public into the nature, causes, diagnosis, prevent, treatment and recovery of FND through social media, charitable events, medical conference and any other educational means such as leaflets and booklets.
  • Coordinating a voluntary FND patients register to assist doctors in the advancement of new and ongoing research, prevent, treatment and recovery of FND in partnership with the Genetic Alliance.
  • Working with Medical and Allied Health Professionals to provide a better understanding of FND, improve medical protocols, and promote ethical standards for FND through personal contact, advocacy and training.
Scotland Charity Information

REGISTERED CHARITY SCOTLAND

Charity no. SC048333 

 


Charity Purpose

B – the advancement of education
D – the advancement of health
N – the relief of those in need by reason of age, ill-health, disability, financial hardship or other disadvantage


Charity Objectives

The relief of sickness and preservation of health of those affected by Functional Neurological Disorder (FND) and their families, carers and communities. In particular, but not exclusively by:

  • Raising awareness and understanding of the general public into the nature, causes, diagnosis, prevention, treatment and recovery of FND through social media, charitable events, medical conferences and any other educational means such as Leaflets and Booklets.
  • Coordinating a voluntary FND parents register to assist doctors in the advancement of new and ongoing research, prevention, treatment and recovery of FND in partnership with the Genetic Alliance
  • Working with Medical and Allied Health professionals to provide a better understanding of FND, improve medical protocols, and promote ethical standards for Functional Neurological Disorder through personal contact, advocacy and training.

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