We want to express our heartfelt gratitude to the dedicated individuals who steer our ship through the waves of change and progress. This year, as we celebrate our 25th anniversary, we're filled with immense pride and gratitude for the incredible journey we've embarked on, all thanks to the unwavering support of our trustees.

Our motto, "Changing lives through friendship," isn't just a catchphrase – it's a testament to the real impact we've made in the lives of older people and volunteers in the Wokingham Borough over the past quarter-century.

Through community projects, befriending, and a wide array of activities and events, our award-winning charity has been a beacon of hope for those experiencing loneliness and isolation. Every trustee has played an integral role in steering our organisation to new heights, ensuring our services reach those who need them most.

During Trustees Week, we want say a big THANK YOU. Your vision, passion, and hard work have been the driving force behind our journey, and we look forward to many more years of changing lives with friendship. We truly couldn't have achieved what we have without their wisdom and tireless efforts.

Meet our wonderful trustee team!

John Mallaghan, Chair

After a long career with large global corporations, and 15 years as an independent management consultant helping local and central government, I felt retirement was an opportunity to give something back. Social isolation was the area I wanted to help – and in late 2013 I discovered a tiny local charity with just that focus! I started volunteering for The Link in early 2014, and it’s been a real joy to watch the charity grow, helping where I could along the way, becoming a trustee in 2018 and now chairing the trustee team.

It is a privilege to be a part of such a fantastic local charity helping so many of the most vulnerable play an active part in the community again. I am passionate about helping The Link transform lives through friendship. As chair, that means ensuring staff are fully supported and that trustees represent the charity effectively in the community. I love actively helping with our services, visiting my two Link Friends, and just seeing the smiles and hearing the laughter this great charity spreads around the community.

Tony Sweet, Finance Trustee

After university I joined PwC where I qualified as a chartered accountant and subsequently became a partner. I left in 2002 and became finance director of a quoted software business, based in the UK but with significant operations in Europe. After a few years I moved to a UK listed investment company as finance director, where I was involved in buying and selling investments as well as all aspects of the company’s finances. When I retired in 2018, after a career of 40 years in finance, I was keen to volunteer with organisations who would use the skills I had gained during my career. I was delighted to join the trustees of The Link with its impressive record of growth reflecting not only the increasing demand for its services but also its success in delivering those services in the Wokingham community. I look forward to working with my fellow trustees and Link colleagues as we build on these recent successes.

Laura Mitchell, Trustee

I am an experienced charity sector professional with a background in both national and small charities as a senior manager, CEO, trustee and volunteer. I have worked across many areas including grant-making, armed forces, disability, single-parent families, employability, and social isolation. I am currently working as CEO of a local disability charity and as a Strategic Applicant Consultant for The Fore. I have a degree in French, German and Russian.

Gayle Manicom, Trustee

I am a communications specialist and I have spent the vast majority of my career working in the public sector including local government, the police and the NHS. I live in Wokingham Borough and I am proud to have been a Link volunteer since 2014. As part of my volunteering role I currently run the Jigsaw Club, where jigsaws are delivered to and collected from our Link Friends.

Kuldip Athwal, Trustee

I took early retirement in 2015 having worked for nearly 40 years mostly in various senior and strategic roles with large corporations in the telecoms industry, and always wanted to make use of the skills and experience from my working life to make some positive contribution to our community through voluntary work. My subsequent travel, family and social commitments didn’t leave any free time for this, so in 2021 I decided to actively set aside some time for voluntary work in the local community.

I love meeting and getting to know new people so The Link Visiting Scheme was an ideal charity that I could make a positive contribution with and at the same time get to make connection with the broader community. I am really enjoying my involvement both as a Link Friend and with Link Online and playing my small part in helping elderly and lonely members get actively involved in the community.

As a trustee, I can further use my knowledge and experience, of working with and guiding people from different backgrounds, to help with the strategic direction, growth and contribution of LVS.

Celebrating Trustees' Week!