I met Yashpal in 1998 when he was my boss at work, and have kept in touch with him and Gillian ever since. I was delighted to be asked to help with The Gian Foundation and act as a founder trustee.

I was brought up in the south of England, and now live in the North-East. I work full-time for the Inland Revenue, as well as running around after my two very active children!

Whilst I was growing up, my mother worked at the nearby Chorleywood College, which was the only boarding school in it’s time for blind teenage girls. The students led a segregated life, removed from many everyday activities that all teenagers enjoy. Most spent all year away from their families, only going home for summer breaks. Mum set up a system that paired up local teenagers – boys and girls – so that people had shared interests and hobbies, and the girls could get out of school and into a family atmosphere again. This system was so successful at breaking down barriers that within a few years, local schools were offering places to the students on GCSE and A level courses.

We are very lucky in our country to have the support and financial assistance needed. A little education goes a long way – but sometimes there is a barrier to that opportunity for some people. Anything we can do to help break down barriers will make a huge difference in people’s lives. I believe that The Gian Foundation can help do that.