Meet the Team

Swantje has a background in charity work, sensory impairment and operational management. She enjoys working with volunteers and is passionate about creating services rooted in the local community.

“Sight Loss Shropshire is a small charity with a big impact. My work here is about ensuring we reach as many visually impaired people as possible and make a positive difference in their lives.”

Mel has an extensive background in marketing, communications and business administration. She has experience working with visually impaired people and organisations in the not-for-profit sector.

“I love supporting community-focused organisations that deliver a real, impactful difference to people’s lives and wellbeing.”

Our knowledgeable Board of Trustees share their expertise and move the charity forward in line with the strategic vision.

The Sight Loss Shropshire Committee elected Arwyn as chair in November 2024. He joined Beacon Centre for the Blind in January 2013 as CEO for six years. He also chaired the Karten Network, a charity supporting organisations in the UK and Israel providing technology support to those with disabilities, until 2023. Arwyn runs a vehicle rust protection business and a chauffeured vintage car hire business with a 1926 Ford Model T called Bertie and a 1946 Vauxhall 14/J called Vera.

“My wife is visually impaired, so sight loss is an issue close to my heart, and I feel passionate that many people living with sight loss are not receiving the full benefit of support they need. Of the senses, sight is the one I’d struggle most without. Sight Loss Shropshire does amazing work to support people in living as independently as possible as they adapt to living with sight loss, and I’m proud to be a part of its mission.”

As a visually impaired person, Hayley understands first-hand the challenges and barriers that many people with sight loss encounter daily. She has a guide dog and volunteers for several sight loss charities. Hayley is deeply passionate about empowering visually impaired people and providing social opportunities and a supportive network to enhance their quality of life.

“I like to give my time to Sight Loss Shropshire because I have a deep understanding of the difficulties and challenges sight loss poses and the processes you need to go through as a visually impaired person.”

Jenny is the director at Wynn Developments and trustee of The Wynn Foundation and is passionate about improving services and opportunities for people with sight loss. Jenny’s son lost his eyesight at 15, and as a family, they know how challenging it can be to find the right services, equipment and technology to best support someone experiencing sudden sight loss.

“Sight loss has a huge impact on the quality of life at any age. Helping Sight Loss Shropshire increase services and social activities for visually impaired people is a privilege and pleasure to be involved with. The staff and trustees are such an inspirational and committed team.”

Lindsey is a retired chartered physiotherapist who worked in the NHS for over 20 years. She has been visually impaired since about 18 months of age and lost her remaining sight in the late 2010s. Lindsey is a guide dog owner and volunteers for various charities that support visually impaired people. Before Covid, she also volunteered at the local Eye Hospital, talking to patients diagnosed with sight loss.

“I volunteer for Sight Loss Shropshire to help improve services for visually impaired people, to help them live the independent lives they want and deserve.”

Rob was appointed a consultant ophthalmic surgeon at The Royal Shrewsbury Hospital in 1996. He worked as part of the team providing ophthalmology services across Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin, and Mid Wales until his retirement in 2023. During his time as a surgeon, Rob encountered many patients of all ages living with visual impairment and experienced first-hand the impact sight loss has on individuals, their families, and their carers.

“I want to use my experience to help Sight Loss Shropshire further develop and provide support and services for the visually impaired community. My other charitable interest is Rotary, and I am an active member of the Shrewsbury Darwin Rotary Club.”

Daniel is a chartered accountant with over 25 years’ experience in finance, management, and education. His wife is visually impaired, so he has lived experience of the impact of sight loss and is committed to using his skills to support the charity’s work. As treasurer, he oversees the financial management and processes that make Sight Loss Shropshire’s work possible.

“I am involved with Sight Loss Shropshire because it is an opportunity to use my specialist finance skills to support a cause I care about.”

Diana joined the committee in 2019 and chaired the charity from 2020-2024. She has experience in the charitable sector through volunteer work for The Art Fund, nearly 20 years of school governorships, service to the community through the Shropshire Lieutenancy and, previously, as High Sheriff of Shropshire. Diana feels privileged to be involved, and her passion is working together to make a difference.

“At Sight Loss Shropshire, we have a talented, energetic workforce and dedicated Committee and Trustees. Sight loss is not always an obvious disability, and I am committed to helping people of all ages gain the support they need, alongside encouraging others in the community to understand the needs of visually impaired individuals.”