Key People

Other key volunteers and supporters include:
St John’s College School, Cambridge, Debbie from Bridge Farm Riding School, Matt Mayer from Fantasy FA Cup, Katie Hawks, Holly Picket, Carrie Travers, Pat Taylor, Anna Newman, Lyn Clackson, Mr. and Mrs. Lambourne, Maxine and Rick, the Hinks family, Wilf and Carol Kelsall, Klaud Simpson, the Hietts, the Sparrowhawks, the Stanleys, Sheila Furley, David Furley, Sonia Furley, Betty Port, amongst many. 

  •  Dr. Rachel Furley, Founder and Chair
    Since founding the charity as a medical student at Cambridge University, Rachel has now qualified as a doctor and has spent time working in various hospitals around the East of England. With a career in paediatrics, she hopes to further support the children in Belarus in a professional capacity where appropriate. Originally from Weymouth in Dorset, ties through friends and family have meant that there is also a strong B2B support group in the area.


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  • Ian Steed, Founder and Treasurer
    Ian has a long-standing involvement with various charities including the Red Cross, Cambridge SCA and the Cambridge Humanitarian Centre. He is a useful source of knowledge and contacts. Along with Ian come his partner, Anita, who supports the charity at all events, often with their young son Robin – who was born whilst Anita was wearing a Bridges to Belarus T-shirt!


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  • Sarah Davies, Advisor and Co-ordinator
    Sarah is a recent addition to the Bridges to Belarus committee and has already proven herself in supporting the organisation of various events. Her catering skills are second to none!


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  • Justin Coleman, PR and Media Manager
    Following a visit to Belarus, Justin formalised his support for Bridges to Belarus by becoming a Trustee. His insight and contacts in the PR sector have boosted the charity’s profile and greatly assisted with raising funds.


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  • Mohan Ganesalingam, Founder
    Mohan was essential in setting up the charity and created our initial website from Rachel’s sketches on the back of an envelope. As a computer genius, he is often useful but also kept busy with his PhD. He now assists of specific projects.


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  • Chris Cockeram, Secretary
    Another recent addition, Chris has visited Belarus for the charity and her Russian language skills and NGO insight has been incredibly valuable with moving the charity forwards.


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  • Rosie Cowsley, Advisor
    Always on hand with useful advice, Rosie has worked in the voluntary sector for most of her life. She knows the vast majority of things a charity could ever need!


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  • Margot Chadwick, Advisor
    A random find, Margot is worth her weight in gold. Initially, driving hundreds of miles to deliver aid to various parts of the country for shipping, offering advice and practical assistance, her role is now as an advisor for specific projects and supporting events.


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  • Melanie Hinks, Fundraising Co-ordinator
    Mel has been supporting Rachel in her work in Belarus since long before the charity was founded. The whole of the Hinks family, including Mel’s children Jasmine and Joshua, have been extremely supportive and committed to the charity. Mel’s magic way with raffles and tombolas has led to her branching out into organising events for Bridges to Belarus.


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  • Aidan Brown, Website and Technology Manager
    As a PhD student, Aidan kindly gives up what time he has to help manage our website. He also ran the London Marathon in 2008 in aid of Bridges to Belarus.


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  • Other key volunteers and supporters include:
    St John’s College School, Cambridge, Debbie from Bridge Farm Riding School, Matt Mayer from Fantasy FA Cup, Katie Hawks, Holly Picket, Carrie Travers, Pat Taylor, Anna Newman, Lyn Clackson, Mr. and Mrs. Lambourne, Maxine and Rick, the Hinks family, Wilf and Carol Kelsall, Klaud Simpson, the Hietts, the Sparrowhawks, the Stanleys, Sheila Furley, David Furley, Sonia Furley, Betty Port, amongst many.


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