Helen co-founded The Bridge for Heroes with Mike Taylor in 2010, with support from family and friends. She initially volunteered by helping with finance and administration, but soon became involved in all areas of the charity, including welfare support, fundraising, grant applications and design. As the charity has grown and adapted to the needs of its beneficiaries, Helen’s role has evolved. In early 2022, she stepped into the role of CEO to ensure the Armed Forces Community in West Norfolk continues to receive the help and support it needs.
Andrew joined The Bridge for Heroes in September 2021 after a 38-year career in the NHS. During this time, he qualified and worked as both a Mental Health Nurse and a General Nurse. Much of his career was spent as a Ward Manager, and later he became Matron in charge of Community Nursing and Therapy for South Norfolk. At The Bridge for Heroes, Andrew brings the skills and experience gained throughout his NHS career, along with a few additional talents — from puttying windows to cooking lunches.
Jonathan served in the RAF for 35 years before settling into the Norfolk area. Keen to support the Armed Forces Community, for him it is like giving something back to his Veteran family.
Having taken a break from my career for family reasons for a number of years I started as a volunteer in the office at The Bridge for Heroes in March 2022 and have been employed as an Administrative Assistant since July 2022. I enjoy the variety of the work involved and also being able to chat the beneficiaries and volunteers even though I do not have a military background.
Laura joined the team in September 2023. Her background is in finance, teaching and Youth Work.
I began volunteering at the bridge for heroes in June 2022 and later became employed as a general assistant. My aim is to make everyone at the Bridge for Heroes feel welcome and happy when they come in. I enjoy chatting, spending time with the beneficiaries and listening to their stories.
Jamie is a dab hand at keeping things clean and tidy, and making sure everyone has a brew.
Graham Clarke has a real breadth and depth of managerial experience having successfully managed a variety of complex projects. With a post graduate level qualification in Leadership and Management, Graham’s forte is assimilating complicated situations and finding solutions that add value.
Formulating policy, developing processes, and delivering change across large organisations are all within his accomplishments. A strong training pedigree developed over many years, leaves Graham well suited to identifying needs and creating appropriate solutions. Coaching and mentoring are deeply embedded in his psyche.
With a keen interest in people, Graham has extensive experience in mediating and managing complex personnel situations tactfully and effectively, he is a strong but sensitive negotiator. Ever enthusiastic and always willing to go the extra mile, Graham has a passion for helping others, his many voluntary activities with charities reflect this.
Lindsey Wood was a WRAF Medic, NHS Ward Sister and is a recently retired Care Home owner. When she is not walking her dog, she spends time travelling, sailing off the north Norfolk coast, converting a van for further travels and is the secretary of her local cricket club.
She intended to write her memoirs but never finds the time.
Sharon was born in Norfolk and raised in North Creake, and now lives in Fakenham with her husband Tony. She qualified as a Chartered Accountant in 2000 and is a partner at Mapus-Smith & Lemmon LLP in King’s Lynn.
Sharon is passionate about King’s Lynn and has been involved with the King’s Lynn Business Improvement District since its inception. She is also a member of the Soroptimists of King’s Lynn.
She became a Trustee of The Bridge for Heroes because several members of her family have served in the Armed Forces, and she strongly supports the charity’s work helping the Armed Forces Community with mental health and wellbeing.
Wendy has a wealth of experience in the charity sector, holding senior positions in national charities, including St John Ambulance, where she was Director of Youth and Community, Youth United as Operations Director and as Chief Executive of The Military Wives Choirs.
Wendy is married to a veteran and spent many years moving around the country and abroad accompanying her husband on postings. During this time Wendy worked as a families officer and also for the Defence Medical Welfare Services as a welfare officer.
In her spare time Wendy volunteers with the Scouts and enjoys reading and walking.
Wendy is an Officer of the Order of St John.
Supporting anyone who is or has served in HM Armed Forces
Including family members: spouses, widows/widowers, dependants
