Governance

With over 40 years of experience of working in both the public and private care sectors, Alan has developed a considerable portfolio of skills, he now uses these to run his own consultancy business which helps to support organisations in managing change, implementing technology, and improving their company performance. Alan also has several years’ experience as a Board Member, the latest being the Chair of a learning disability charity in Manchester.

Alan lives in Crewe with his wife Sue, and has three grown-up sons and a daughter, he also has six incredible granddaughters who keep him on his toes! Alan has a personal interest in vision impairment as his father was registered blind.

His interests cover a wide range of topics from music, playing the guitar (badly) to astrophysics and of course, spending time with his grandchildren.

Geoff is a retired CEO with more than 40 years’ experience in commercial vehicle, bus and coach full service leasing across the UK, Hong Kong and Peru.

After retiring he trained as an Advisor with Citizens Advice and after three years as an Advisor, he was invited to join the Board as a Trustee and then acting Chair. In addition, he was invited to join the Board of St. Davids Hospice, Llandudno – a post he held for 3 years.

Geoff lives near Dolgellau with his wife Pauline and two young golden retrievers. He was diagnosed with Glaucoma some years ago but still manages to play badminton and doubles tennis at his local leisure centre.

Vision Support Member/Steering Group Member/Chester Disability Access Forum Member

Sandra Massey spent over thirty years in the chemical industry as a Group Production Planning Manager, flying all over the UK, Germany, the Netherlands and the USA.

Sandra was registered as sight impaired in 2012 and had to take early retirement due to ill health in 2014. She then went on to join us at Vision Support, becoming a Board Member in 2019.

Her interests include genealogy, and involvement in Vision Support social groups including crown green bowling and swimming. She enjoys attending Vision Support’s audio described cinema screenings at the Storyhouse in Chester and has a “large tribe” of 9 grandchildren who keep her busy.

Since 1986, Miles was a Consultant Ophthalmologist in Chester looking after both adults and children throughout the South East and North West of England. He carried out surgery for cataracts, squints and glaucoma, as well as treating retinal conditions. He was at the forefront of the use of lasers, especially in corneal refractive surgery.

He is interested in how people deal with eye defects and diseases. He is keen to help those with low vision to fulfil their potential and to lead as active lives as possible.

He lives in Chester with his wife Ruth and has four grown up children. His interests include lecturing, golf, and DIY.

Mark is a chartered accountant and chartered tax adviser. After qualifying with a small firm in Chester, Mark worked for more than 20 years as a tax director with a big-4 accounting firm. After a two year role at HMRC, he joined Peel Ports as their senior tax and treasury manager.

Mark was previously based at the Port of Liverpool and had group wide responsibility for the management of all taxes as well as roles in cash/treasury management, and staff development and management.

Mark has now retired. He lives in Chester with his wife Louise and has two grown-up children. His spare time is largely taken up playing golf and watching Chester FC.

Clare moved up to Chester, having grown up in Hampshire, twenty years ago to study chimpanzees which she has always had a fascination for.

She has been involved with Vision Support for over a decade, since she was diagnosed with a very rare genetic condition.

She keeps herself busy with a few activities, including tandem bike riding and has recently celebrated a monumental milestone – 10,000 miles on her tandem bike with her ride partner! Clare also has a wonderful guide dog companion, Maggie.

Valery is a Quality Assurance & Audit Officer with over 30 years’ experience working in the food industry and within further education. Valery’s current role involves auditing against a number of Quality Standards, conducting inspections and audits on-site as well as desk based. The Quality Assurance and Audit Processes ensures continual quality improvement as well as legislative compliance.

Valery lives in Chester with her husband Jonathan, has a grown-up son and two lively Labradors.

Her interests include cake creation and sugar craft, floristry design, genealogy and pilates.