Who we are
PhysioNet is a UK-based charity dedicated to providing surplus physiotherapy and mobility equipment to children and adults with disabilities in low- and middle-income countries. We work throughout the UK operating solely with a network of enthusiastic volunteers.
What we do
Our volunteers identify appropriate equipment, arrange collection, repair and prepare all items for shipping.
This is usually in 40 ft shipping containers, and despatched to low and middle income countries (LMICs) around the world. The recipients cover the costs of shipping and further details about this are available on request.
Our story
PhysioNet was Founded in 2008 by Peter Thompson, who was inspired by his extensive experience in developing countries.
In 2004, while assisting an orphanage in Bosnia, Peter recognised the ease of acquiring paediatric therapy equipment in the UK and the pressing need for such resources abroad. After two years of seeking existing charities to bridge this gap, he established PhysioNet in 2008. The charity’s inaugural large shipments were dispatched to South Africa and Fiji in 2009. Since then PhysioNet has significantly impacted the lives of individuals with disabilities worldwide.
Our founder
Peter Thompson
Following 16 years in the Colonial Service in Fiji, Peter spent the next 30 years working on natural resource projects in 30 developing countries. It was very evident that many people with disabilities in these countries were in need of basic disability aids like crutches or wheelchairs. In 2004 an orphanage in Bosnia asked for a range of paediatric therapy equipment, which proved surprisingly easy to freely acquire in the UK. Having spent two frustrating years trying to find an existing UK charity interested in matching supply with demand, Peter realised that the only solution was, ether set up a separate charity or give up trying. PhysioNet emerged in 2008 and the first big shipments went to South Africa and Fiji in 2009.
Meet our Trustees
Colin Perrott
Chair
Colin’s career included export sales and project management positions before joining the family Optometry business in 2001.
In support of his wife Ruth, Colin is involved with Rotary York Ainsty’s SpecSort project, which upcycles used single vision spectacles to rural communities in the developing world.
Carl Stitt
Treasurer
After 17 years in the accounting profession and industry working in the tax and treasury advisory sector, Carl was recruited to work in the Far East, working first for an investment bank and then advising a wealthy family. Before retiring he became the CFO of a small, Hong Kong based, multinational security consultancy business.
Caroline Sapwell
Title
Caroline Sapwell (founder Peter Thompson’s daughter) has supported PhysioNet for 20 years in roles from logistics to media. Fiji-born and corporate cabin crew, she combines global insight with a lifelong commitment to volunteering and community service.
Harry Franks
Harry Franks is an agricultural scientist by training. He worked in Fiji early in his career under Peter Thompson (Physionet founder). Returning to UK he started a long career in agricultural and rural development consultancy, mainly in Africa and Asia leading multidisciplinary and multinational teams.
When he retired in 2018, he had worked in some 40 countries. It is this knowledge of the developing world which led to an understanding of problems faced by disabled people, and awoke a desire to do something practical about it. Peter asked him to join Physionet in 2013 as coordinator for SW England.
Milton Frary
Milton retired from banking in 1995 and immersed himself in charity work with Rotary International in which he held many senior positions both in the UK and internationally and in 2003 having worked since 1997 supplying new wheelchairs to those in need formed the Wheelchair Foundation UK charity which has delivered over 36400 new wheelchairs. In 2022 the charity merged with Physionet and Milton was appointed a trustee.
Richard Stevens
Richard has volunteered for many organisations over more than 35 years and had a career in the Automotive Industry, whose business was designing, developing and manufacturing engine components for the world’s manufacturers. After 15 years in the independent aftermarket, he worked with the UK industry in its declining years, but also that in Sweden, France, USA,
Russ Rollings
Representing York Rotary Club as a Physionet trustee, Russ worked in Sales and IT for a large food and drinks company throughout his career, with projects around the world. After retiring in 2010, he followed his passions for driving, railways and volunteering. As well as Physionet, he is also a trustee for the Friends of the National Railway Museum as well as being an active Rotarian.
Edward Netsel
Title
Ed took over running the PhysioNet activities on behalf of his local Rotary Club and became the South East England Co-ordinator and Trustee. He and his team operate as a working hub for PhysioNet for London and the South East of England.
Meet our Patrons
Cristina Odone
Cristina Odone is the CEO of Fair Hearing, the family justice charity. She sits on the Government’s cross-department Family Policy Advisory Group and is founder and Trustee of Parenting Circle charity.
A former Editor of the Catholic Herald and Deputy Editor of the New Statesman, Cristina has also been a columnist for The Daily Telegraph and The Observer. She is a regular broadcaster, appearing on Question Time, Any Questions, The Today Programme, and The Big Question.
Cristina has had a distinguished career as a journalist, broadcaster, and social thinker, known for her integrity, insight, and commitment to social values. She also shows deep empathy for the challenges faced by people with disabilities.
Liz Hunt
Liz Hunt agreed to be our second patron in 2017, she is an experienced journalist and editor with over 35 years in national newspapers, including The Independent, The Telegraph, The Daily Mail, and The Washington Post.
A qualified pharmacist, she has worked as a health correspondent, columnist, feature and travel writer and is a regular contributor to TV and radio.
Formerly Deputy Editor at The Telegraph, where she co-led the paper’s major annual Christmas Charity Appeal, Liz is now Senior Associate Editor (No. 3) at The Daily Mail.
Colonel Mark Cook OBE
We are honoured to welcome Colonel Mark Cook OBE as a Patron of PhysioNet.
Mark is the founder of Hope and Homes for Children, a charity he established with his wife Caroline, to transform the lives of children in institutional care. The organization works to close orphanages and replace them with family-based systems of childcare, where every child can grow up in a loving environment. Through this work, Mark met Peter and Valerie Thompson in 1999 and witnessed the beginnings of PhysioNet.
Over the years, Mark has been deeply impressed by PhysioNet’s dedication and the life-changing impact of its work around the world. He describes it as “an extraordinary gift” and is proud to support the charity’s ongoing mission.
Our therapy group
Along with our work supplying equipment, we also have an amazing team of volunteer health care professionals who are familiar with the specialist equipment and have the skills to repair and ensure each item is safe to use. This work is carried out at our UK depots.
They have also made visits to recipients in different countries, providing training for local physios and teachers and ensuring the correct distribution and monitoring of equipment. Technical support and training includes assembly of equipment, assessing children’s needs, matching equipment to each individual, adjusting and maintaining equipment.
“There is something very special about what physionet has made possible – the poorest and neediest children in the country are receiving the very best equipment – thank you! ”
Our collection hubs
In addition to the main depot in North Yorkshire, PhysioNet has depots in Essex and Gloucestershire with collection hubs located in Inverness and the Isle of Man. Our charity has no paid staff, contractors or sub-contractors.
Additionally, we work in partnership with other UK charities including Hope and Homes for Children and Margaret Carey Foundation.
Get Involved
You can support PhysioNet by donating much-needed disability equipment, volunteering to help with collections and distribution, or fundraising to ensure we can continue providing vital aid to those in need.
Equipment Donations
Volunteering
