Our Trustees | Cavell

Professor Nancy Fontaine (Chair). I’ve been a nurse for more than 39 years and in that time I’ve been an Executive Chief Nurse and Deputy Chief Executive across 3 large and medium acute NHS Trusts and cultural and quality improvements have been my focus. I was appointed as one of the country’s first Consultant Nurses in Emergency and Urgent Care in 1999 and continue to support the regulation, development and recognition of advanced practise across all professions. I’ve always had an affinity with nurse Edith Cavell and grew up knowing the story of this woman having incredible courage, spiritual strength, resolve and integrity whilst she and her team saved the lives of 200 Allied soldiers in WWI. I see being Chair of Trustees at Cavell as the ultimate privilege and the most exciting opportunity. The health and wellbeing of nurses and midwives in the UK is always on my mind. As a senior nurse leader, the psychological and physical well-being of colleagues is at the forefront of everything I do and stand for, and it’s an honour to be able to continue this work with Cavell across the nations, for our professions.

Paul Bishop. I have worked with Information technology for over 30 years, starting as a computer operator in the 1980’s with main frames, used by the oil industry. I’ve worked in senior leadership roles for over 20 years, with companies such as, Walt Disney, Dunlop, BUPA and Equinix. Today I support technology start-ups with a range of companies from health care to pure cloud technology. I grew up, lived and worked in East Africa and Belgium coming to the UK in 1990. I’m based in Brighton with my partner and daughter. I’m a keen tennis player, surfer and skier.

Matthew Hodson MBE. I am a registered adult nurse with over 20 years’ experience working across both the NHS and independent sector, alongside a broad range of nursing roles including a respiratory nurse consultant and within senior nursing leadership roles. Currently I am the Deputy Chief Nursing Officer at University Hospitals Dorset. I am originally from Hampshire and trained at Royal Hampshire County Hospital in Winchester, and then moved to London where I stayed a further 16 years. I feel very honoured to be a Trustee of the Cavell especially at a time when nursing and nurses has never been so critical in the management in this pandemic. I want to ensure Cavell’s legacy that every nurse and midwife gets the help they need. I am very proud of the work the charity has already undertaken and want to use my knowledge and skills to take forward the legacy and current work of the Trust and contribute to its continued growth. I currently live in Dorset with my Husband and daughter Liliana.

Cynthia Gumbiti-Zimuto. I have been a registered adult nurse since the late 1990’s. Having had many different senior nursing’s roles in that time there has always been a common theme and passion in all my roles, and that is to ensure our patients receive outstanding care through staff receiving support, education, professional development and by empowering each person to reach their potential. Cavell’s aim reflects my passions; to empower by giving support to reach their potential in a time of crisis. I also bring to the Cavell trustee role the experience of serving for over 5 years as a board director and trustee to a local charity which also strives to support people at a time of difficulty or life crisis.
Despite personal danger and risk to her life, Edith Cavell put the safety and needs of others first; something I have seen every day at work in the recent years, and still do today. And so with this in mind it is an honour and privilege to represent my nursing, midwifery and HCA colleagues as a trustee on the Cavell board.
Outside of work I’m a busy mum of 2 teenagers and wife, who relaxes by running, baking and sitting drinking coffee whilst watching my chickens.

David Lewis. In over 20 years in the pharmaceutical industry, I have engaged with many inspiring, hardworking and patient centric nurses and healthcare workers. I am honoured to recognise and encourage those nurses, and midwives who support patients, and I am consequently proud to be a trustee of Cavell.

Debra Moore MBE FRSA. As a nurse who continues to enjoy what has been a long and varied career in policy, executive & senior clinical nursing roles, I have been privileged to meet nurses and healthcare assistants in many organisations and across sectors. I hope to bring this experience to supporting the vital and inspiring work of Cavell, along with learning from previous trustee roles. In my spare time, I am an avid reader and enjoy walking the North Yorkshire Coastline near my home in Scarborough.

Eric Craig. I have spent nearly 30 years in senior commercial and leadership roles across various organisations including GlaxoSmithKline, Virgin Media, and Thomson Reuters, leading large teams and driving business growth across the UK, Europe and globally. My connection to Cavell is both personal and professional. My wife is an NHS Consultant, and through her I have seen firsthand the pressures facing frontline healthcare staff. I also mentor a mental health and wellbeing company, which has reinforced my belief in the importance of early, practical support for people in need. I live in Surrey with my wife and two teenage children. When I’m not working, I enjoy walking, swimming, sailing and skiing. I’ve spent my career helping organisations grow and deliver impact at scale, and I’m excited to bring that experience to Cavell. The work this charity does for nurses and midwives across the UK is vital, and I look forward to contributing to its continued success.

Dr Hilda Hayo. I became Chief Admiral Nurse & CEO for Dementia UK in 2013, the charity who specialises in the development of Admiral Nurses (specialist dementia nurses). I am a dual-registered nurse and I’ve held senior positions in clinical services, hospital management and higher education for more than 40 years now. I’m a Visiting Professor of Practice in Dementia Care at University of Northampton and committed to improving dementia care and support. I still provide specialist advice and support to families living with dementia through my current role and within a local peer support group. Cavell’s focus on supporting nurses and midwives through times of difficulty immediately appealed to me when I was considering a trustee position. I’m proud to commit to a charity that truly make a difference and support the very people who dedicate their lives to supporting others.

Francesca Woodhouse. I am Edelman’s UK’s Workplace Advisory lead. After two decades of working in communications, I now specialise in change communications, employee engagement and digital transformation. Becoming a Trustee of Cavell brings together my lived experience and professional expertise in a way that feels incredibly purposeful. There is something deeply rewarding about being able to work with Cavell colleagues and fellow trustees to help make a difference to those who spend their lives caring for others, particularly at a time when support feels so important.