Behind every adventure we fund is a dedicated team of trustees, patrons and volunteers who give their time and expertise to carry Michelle’s legacy forward. Our board brings together a wealth of experience, from military leadership to charity governance, all united by a shared commitment to supporting veterans and young people across Cumbria. Meet the people helping to make it happen.
Neil Jurd is a global expert in leadership development. He is the Founder of Leader Connect, and author of The Leadership Book – the bestselling handbook to leadership and team development. Neil founded the Michelle Jurd Trust, to help promote character education and adventure for young people, and as a volunteer he is Director of adult leadership development for the Army Cadets UK.
A former Army Officer, Neil has led soldiers on operations and expeditions around the world. He was injured by enemy fire in Iraq, and served as an instructor at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst. Neil has an MA from Cranfield University, is a Fellow of the Institute of Leadership and Management and is an Entrepreneur in Residence at Lancaster University. He was awarded the British Citizen Award in 2020 and was appointed OBE in 2021.
Sandra’s role is the treasurer for the charity, however she also undertakes some administration especially around the Charity’s annual ball. Sandra’s background is quite varied but she currently has a bookkeeping business, allowing her the freedom to look after her family and walk her dogs. Sandra supports the charity so that she can help to make a young person from Cumbria or a military person’s life a little bit better.
Louise was brought up in the Lake District and has spent most of her working life in the tourism industry within various sectors from Cumbria Tourist Board, guest houses and restaurants. However, in more recent years, Louise spent 4 years working in a residential school for children with special educational needs, before training to become a dog groomer, a role she has enjoyed for the last 4 years.
Whilst taking time out to train as a dog groomer, Louise volunteered to help with the Michelle Jurd Trust and has been a Trustee for about 5 years. She has 3 boys who keep her busy, particularly with football, and also volunteers as a Welfare Officer for a local junior football club.
Rachel has been a trustee of Michelle Jurd Trust since 2020. She is an Occupational Therapist with experience working in SEN education and the NHS. She has also been an Army Cadet volunteer for 26 years and lives on a family farm in the south of Cumbria.
Rachel very much values the benefits adventurous activities and teamwork can bring to young people’s lives as they develop their understanding of self and challenge their abilities. ‘The more opportunities they get to be outdoors and active the better for their well-being and future life quality.’
She enjoys supporting the fundraising efforts of the charity and results of where it’s monies go. ‘For our veterans and young people to feel appreciated and acknowledged with our work means a great deal and we have a lovely team of trustees making that happen!’
Chris was brought up in Ambleside and Grasmere, and educated at Heversham Grammar School.
He returned to Cumbria in 2013 after a 30 year career in the Army and eight years providing risk management support to governments and international organisations operating in challenging areas overseas. During his military service Chris earned an MBE for his support to the 1st Gulf War. In his commercial work Chris was influential in the development of professional and human rights standards for the UK and global armed security industries, and was awarded an OBE for his contribution to human rights and conflict prevention.
More recently, Chris has led a number of local charities including The Army Benevolent Fund, Cumbria Scouts and Patterdale Mountain Rescue, and served as a Trustee for others, most notably Cumbria Community Foundation. He is the Patron for Ambleside Sports. He sat as a Magistrate on the North and West Cumbria Bench for a number of years.
Chris is a non-executive director of L & K Group and one of the Group’s two Vice-Chairmen. The Group runs the J36 and Lancaster livestock auction marts and a number of related businesses, principally serving the farming communities of Cumbria and North Lancashire.
Chris lives in the South Lakes and was appointed a Deputy Lieutenant in 2020.
Brian Gregory is the current chair of the Michelle Jurd Trust and has spent his career supporting people, communities and organisations, helping them to achieve their potential. A former Scots Guardsman, an active entrepreneur and university educator, Brian brings extensive leadership experience from business, education and the charitable sector. Passionate about creating opportunities for others, he is committed to advancing the Trust’s mission of supporting Cumbrian veterans and helping young people build confidence, resilience and character through adventure and personal development.
