Michael Roberts Charitable Trust (MRCT)

Trustees of MRCT

People committed to the work of MRCT MRCT has a dedicated team of trustees who provide guidance and direction in all areas of the charity's work.
John Robson (Chair of Trustees) John has been a trustee of MRCT since August 2001 and was first introduced to the work of the charity when he witnessed Living Stones Drama Group performing at his church in Harlow. He states “I was so impressed to see people with a learning disability in the drama group performing with commitment and enthusiasm giving everything to enhance the drama production”. When asked I was very pleased to become a trustee of such a worthy charity which seeks to enable people with a disability in such a positive and practical way. John is retired having previously worked for the Royal Dutch / Shell Group of companies. He is a Certified Accountant FCCA and is a member of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants. Since retiring John has been very busy with his voluntary work and was initially treasurer for Age Concern in Redbridge. He is now treasurer for Church Langley Community Association in Harlow alongside his governing responsibilities for MRCT.
Miriam Conway Miriam has been a trustee of MRCT since the charity was established in 1997 and currently works as an Operations Manager in Services for Disabled People with Grooms Shaftesbury. Miriam has a wealth of experience in working with people with profound physical and learning disabilities from her previous working role as a registered care home manager at Keefield Close in Harlow. She is actively involved in all areas of the charities work and was instrumental in setting up the FULLIFE Poland work in Koszalin and Slupsk.
Keith Griffiths Keith is retired and lives in Old Harlow with his wife Ruth. He previously worked for London City Mission for 42 years as a Chaplain on the railways across London. Keith has been a MRCT trustee since August 2001. In the aftermath of the Paddington Train Crash in October 1999 Keith worked supporting the injured and emergency services personnel. The following year Keith received the highest Police award for his help during the rail crash which was presented by Prince Charles. Keith is the current Chaplain to Keefield Close in Harlow, a residential home for adults with a profound physical and learning disability, run by Grooms Shaftesbury.
Richard Bowers Richard has been a trustee of the charity since it was formed in 1997 and his contribution to the work has been invaluable as he represents many of the charity's service users with a disability. He has worked previously with Living Stones Drama Group and been a member of the FULLIFE Poland team. Living in London Richard attends his local college and works with Mencap in Sutton and Cheam. He is a member of Bloomsbury Baptist Church and actively helps out with 'Open Doors', their daily drop-in centre for homeless and vulnerably housed people, by helping with providing lunches and meeting people. Richard lives with his parents and says he 'enjoys his extended family, pottery and travelling the world!'
Gary Knott (Company Secretary) Gary is one of the original founders of MRCT alongside his wife Teresa. Having previously worked as Development Manager for Unigate Dairies and then in residential care with the Shaftesbury Society he has many years experience in business development and services for people with a learning and / or physical disability. Gary has been instrumental in the progression of the charity and has always been dedicated to developing practical and positive opportunities for people with a disability to serve their local community.
Robert Dunham (Honorary) Robert was made an Honorary Member of MRCT in November 2005 in recognition of his outstanding work for the charity. He was initially actively involved in setting up the Maybury Centre at Harefield Church and also worked on the MRCT London CityAid when it was first established. Since 1992 Robert has been a member of Living Stones Drama Group and has made many costumes and scenery for their presentations. He is still involved with the drama group and is also a member of the FULLIFE Poland team. In his role as an Honorary Member of MRCT Robert attends all trustees meetings.