Meet the Trustees

Brian Shipley, Chair of Trustees

I am a qualified accountant and currently Director of Finance at Southend University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust. I have worked in local government, the private sector and in the NHS since 1990.

I was Finance Director at Essex Ambulance Service when the Charity was set up in 1997 and was heavily involved in its creation and initial days up until 2002. I returned as a trustee in 2006 and became Chairman a year later.

I have a passion for the Charity and am fortunate to be able to share in its past and future successes. I just wish I had more time to give!

Clare Dobie, Trustee

I run a marketing consultancy, Braxted Marketing Measures, which works with City firms. I am also a non executive director at Southend Hospital. For 12 years I worked in the asset management industry, at GAM and Barclays Global Investors. Before that I was a journalist at the BBC, Times and Independent.

I have lived in Essex for 10 years and think myself fortunate to be a trustee of Essex & Herts Air Ambulance Trust. The charity has fantastic support - for good reason -and welcomes more. Any of us might need its services at any time.

Darren Hayward, Trustee

I am a Partner at Nockolds Solicitors in Bishop’s Stortford heading up the Employment Law team. Having previously worked at a firm in Bedford, I have now been working in Bishop’s Stortford for the last 6 years and feel very much part of the local community.

I have only recently become a Trustee of the Essex & Herts Air Ambulance Trust and feel extremely privileged to be part of a team dedicated to supporting such a worthy cause. The dedication and passion shown by the entire team for a cause that is saving so many lives is an extremely rewarding experience.

Anni Ridsdill Smith, Trustee

I am a specialist trainer and I work with airline and airport staff to help them cope with angry and frustrated passengers. I live in Essex and have been volunteering my time as a trainer to the Essex & Hertfordshire Air Ambulance for the past three years.

I am the newest member of the Board of Trustees and I am proud to be able to support the work of this wonderful organisation and its dedicated team of pilots, doctors, paramedics, staff and volunteers.

Phil Caborn, Trustee

I live in Colchester with my wife Nikki. After leaving School I spent 11 years working for a local Estate Agency. All until I heard an ad on the local radio station asking for applications to be an Account Manager. I am now Head of Sales for Essex FM, in Chelmsford and Ten 17 FM in Harlow

It is through radio that my first contacts with Essex Air Ambulance took place and my desire to make a difference for and with such a worthy cause made my decision to become a trustee an easy one.

I am a keen footballer, a season ticket holder with Ipswich Town, love training and my favourite film is Top Gun.

Rob Forsyth, Trustee

I'm 46 years old, with a background in transport and - more recently - automotive marketing. In my spare time, I enjoy skiing and flying – I have had a private pilots licence for more than 10 years.

Air Ambulances provide a vital service, funded entirely by charitable donation. My family live in Hertfordshire and the recent establishment of a dedicated service will mean a lot for the people of the County – you never know when you might need its help. Being a trustee of the Essex and Herts Air Ambulance Trust is a privilege and it's an honour to play my part.

Bob Whiting, Trustee

I was born and bred in Essex and live in Galleywood. I have worked for Essex County Council since 1989 and am currently a Senior HR Manager in the Human Resources team supporting the development of adult community health and wellbeing services.

In January 2008 I joined the Essex & Herts Air Ambulance Trust board of Trustees and have found it tremendously rewarding to be able to contribute to a service that is so highly valued. Everybody involved with the Charity shows a real passion for the Air Ambulance service and it’s a privilege – and a lot of fun - being part of the team.

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