Trustees
Suzanne Connerty - Chairperson
Sue (as she likes to be called) is 38 years old and has lived in Maghull, Liverpool, Merseyside for 30 years, she has been married to John (Charity Secretary) for 1 year. She has 3 children, Michael 14, Jessica 10, and Alex 3. Sue is a full-time mum and carer for Alex (MOPDII). Prior to this she worked for Merseyside Police and also ran her own catering business and cafe.
After visiting America to attend the Little People of America Convention and meeting other children, adults and parents of children affected by Primordial Dwarfism she witnessed and participated in something special!
For the first time in Alex's life, Sue and John didn't worry about Alex and the majority of their concerns were alleviated. The way all these individuals and other parents bonded will stay with her and John forever.
She and John promised they would do everything in their power to create a similar organisation to the Potentials Foundation that helped these families come together if ever the occasion arose in the UK.
She is proud of what has been created and achieved in a short space of time, but is aware that there is still a lot more to do over the next couple of years to create an organisation that will help stand the test of time and deliver the objects and aims of the Foundation year after year.
John Connerty - Secretary
John is 40 years old and lives in Maghull, Liverpool Merseyside, has been married to Suzanne for 1 year, He has 3 children, Michael 14, Jessica 10, and Alex 3.
He is a civil servant who works for HM Revenue & Customs ( ex Customs & Excise -Liverpool) with 15 years service. At present he is a technical manager within Civil Recovery.
Prior to this role he was a full time North West Regional Trades Union Officer (PCS) for 4 years within HMRC. His past roles and experience include, Insolvency, Debt Management and IT.
John's passion for the Foundation and for wanting to help other individuals and families affected by MOPDII is second to none.
Like Sue he witnessed the magical events, especially when he saw Alex playing for the first time, more so when he witnessed the other children of the same age and older helping Alex because of his other disabilities.
For John, it was nothing short of a miracle and every spare minute in the day he has, he puts into making the Foundation the place other families can turn to for help, guidance and a haven for individuals like Alex so that they can reach their true potential in life.
John admits it been a roller coaster learning about operating and running a charity, learning everyday sometimes by mistakes, he is content that at least the building blocks are in place to help families in the short and long-term!
His dream is for Alex and his newly found mates to one day take over the running of the charity, to give a little bit back and show the next generation of families and individuals affected by MOPD/PD that things may look bleak but given the right support and chances in life, their children can also reach their potential in life.
After all they will be in better position to understand, speak out about the problems associated with MOPD/PD.
David Cranny - Treasurer
Has lived in Maghull, Liverpool, Merseyside for 21 years, has been married to Hilary for 22 years, He has 3 children, Yasmin 13,Chantal 11, Nathan 8. He works for Alliance & Leicester (Liverpool) with 25 years services as a Systems Analyst. Dave is a member of the Chartered Institute of Purchasing & Supply .
He is a member of Alliance & Leicester's Northwest Charity Events Committee and has been voted A&L's Volunteer of the year for the past 2 years.
David is also the Chairman of Kids Club at Maghull Community Association, Treasurer of Maghull Community Association and Treasurer of PTA at Northway Primary School. He is also a member of Chernobyl Children's Lifeline.
Dave's was approached by Sue and John to become a trustee after he helped raise money for Alex to get to American also for the way he showed compassion and friendship to Alex, John, Sue Mike and Jess.
Dave is the most unselfish person you could come across and John and Sue feel that Dave's enthusiasm for helping others was paramount to have as a Trustee. His dedication and attention to detail will help the foundation to be successful in meeting it's aims and objectives.
Pauline Billington
Pauline is 47 years old and is a Family Development Worker in Springwell Park Children's Centre.
She works with vulnerable families , offering practical and emotional support. She also works closely with other professionals such as health visitors, midwifes and speech and language therapists.
Pauline loves her job and feels that she is very privileged in the work she does as she has the chance to make a difference to peoples lives.
Like the Craig and Dave she was asked to be a trustee by Sue and John because of her fundraising efforts for Alex prior to the foundation being set up.
Additionally John and Sue feel that Pauline's common sense approach, dedication and passion to helping vulnerable people along with the willingness to learn new things and see them through will benefit the foundation whole heartedly!
This is her first formal experience of charity work, she feels honoured to be asked to become a trustee for this charity and although a bit scared, feels excited and cannot wait to get going for such a deserving cause.
Craig Hayden
Craig Hayden is 21 years of age and a Registered General Nurse caring for elderly and terminal ill patients.
He became involved with the Foundation after taking a particular interest in Alex Connerty through Local media and his friend Susan who looked after Alex, while Alex spent 9 months recovering in hospital from a cardiac and respiratory arrest.
He and Susan attended a local benefit night to help Alex get to America and it was here that he decided to help Alex and his family more; and decided to do a sponsored walk without any training.
Craig still bears the physical and mental scars after attempting to walk the whole length of the Liverpool- Leeds Canal. The attempt was cut short at the border of Lancashire and Yorkshire because of the pain he was suffering from blistered feet, he still managed to raise over £600.00 for Alex.
He promised that if ever he could help in the future he would without any hesitation.
9 months later, on hearing that Alex's mum and dad were setting up a charity to help other individuals like Alex here in the UK, he jumped at the chance to help but was shocked and honoured when asked to be to become a trustee.
This is Craig's first role within Charity Work and he cannot wait for the challenges ahead.
Simon Woodcock
To be updated.