Could you help support MASH by becoming a trustee?
We are seeking to expand and strengthen our trustee board to help us to continue to support people and families affected by asthma in Medway.
- People with asthma
- People who care for or work with people with asthma
- Accountancy experience
- Legal experience
- Media experience
- Human resourse experience
Our Trustees
Medway Asthma Self-Help's trustee board consists of people with asthma or who have asthma in the family and those who work/have worked in the respiratory field or have an interest in asthma. On this page, you will:
- Meet our current trustees
- Find out what it is like to be a MASH trustee
- Learn how you could become a trustee with MASH
The MASH Trustee Board, 2024-25
Our trustee board:
- Dr Martin Farebrother - MASH Chair of Trustees
- Alan Stockey MASH Secretary
- Emma Joy - MASH Treasurer
- Judith Pender
- Samantha Whybrow
Dr Martin Farebrother, MASH Chair of Trustees
Martin trained as a specialist in Respiratory as well as General Medicine, and spent the major
part of his career at Medway Hospital (now Medway Maritime Hospital), with academic
sessions at St Thomas’ Hospital (London). Martin also had extensive experience in hospital
management, in regional, national, and European committee work, and in medico-legal
practice. He also spent five years as a specialist in Saudi Arabia. Since retirement from
medical practice in 2006, Martin has continued to take an interest in respiratory problems.
and was always keen to continue to use his experience for the benefit of those with such
problems. A MASH Trustee from 2017 to 2021, Martin re-joined as a Trustee in 2024.
Alan spent his career in data security and technology risk, working for international financial organisations in the City. Now retired, he is a campaigner for cleaner air in Medway and as a MASH trustee keen to ensure those more vulnerable to air pollution are given the help and information they need.
Emma Joy, MASH Treasurer
Emma is an experienced project and change management professional from a wide range functions within and across local public sector organisations in Cambridgeshire, Medway, Kent, Wiltshire and the South West. Emma has wider family members with asthma.
Judith with her pledge for Clean Air Day in June, 2019.
Judith Pender, MASH Trustee
Judith Pender is a geographer who previously worked as a senior scientist in the Environmental Sciences Department at the Natural Resources Institute, University of Greenwich. She has a particular interest in weather and climate but has worked on many projects in Africa and Asia including migrant pest forecasting, water management and environmental change after human intervention.
As a person with asthma, Judith has been involved with MASH since its inception as a trustee in various positions such as secretary, chairperson and treasurer.
Samantha Whybrow, MASH Trustee
Samantha has been a paediatric nurse since 2016 and have recently become the clinical lead for asthma across Medway and Swale. Samanatha say 'Being a children’s nurse is the best job in the world and I am very lucky to say that I love what I do. I am a great believer in what MASH has to offer and the amazing work they do for the children and families in Medway. I am excited to be part of MASH to continue to support the people of Medway'
What's it like to be a MASH trustee?
Here is a snippet of what it is like to be a MASH trustee, from one MASH former trustees Maggie . . . .
Hi, Maggie here. I am a Trustees here at MASH and I just wanted to share my experience with you all and that being a trustee is really rewarding! Being a trustee is a great way to help you develop your own professional experience, I have now learnt more about being in a governance role and sitting on a board.
Years of experience is not a requirement, I have never done this before, I would say you just need a passion for the charity and the desire to share your skills. My professional background includes managing staff, policies & procedures in relation to Health & Safety, Safeguarding, Equality & Diversity, and contract management. All these skills have been of use since I started as a trustee with MASH.
There are so many reasons that you should join charity boards. It is an excellent opportunity to give something back to society or do something meaningful outside work, or perhaps you are retiring / have retired and would like a new interest, I can assure you it is also an opportunity to develop new skills and learning opportunities. I have learnt a huge amount from my trustee role already, ranging from understanding a different organisational model and pressure, to learning from the other expertise and perspectives around the table, as well as the importance of being able to focus on strategy instead of interfering with day-to-day operations. I have also been given the opportunity to get to know and work with people from all walks of life, which has made it even more enjoyable.
Charities can gain so much from having people with skills and experience that their board may lack such as finance, Human Resources, marketing or legal knowledge, and many individuals can gain board-level experience earlier than they might do in their job. My employer has benefited too, as being a trustee has brought new skills and experiences back to my organisation, including exposure to how a board operates, strategic thinking, an awareness of risk management and governance experience.
If you are reading this and thinking 'I’m not sure…', get in touch, I’m more than happy to chat to you about what the role entails.
Maggie Cane, Former MASH Trustee
Registered Charity No 1196597
Our business hours
| Monday | 09:00 - 12:00 |
| Thursday | 17:00 - 20:00 |
| Friday | 14:00 - 17:00 |
| Please leave us a message outside business hours or send us a message by email or via the website. | |
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