MEET THE TRUSTEES
Peter Thompson, Founder
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.
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David Kaye, Chairman
David became Chairman of PhysioNet for the second time in April 2022. His background with PhysioNet started as a member of the depot team, then he joined the collections team which led to him becoming the Co-ordinator of the UK collections. He also served the charity briefly as the Trust Secretary. Away from PhysioNet he is a Fellow of a professional Institute, based in the Midlands, and is also Chairman of its Charitable Trust.
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.
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.
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,
Harry Franks
Harry Franks is an agricultural scientist by training. He worked in Fiji early in his career under Peter Thompson (Physionet president). 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.
Edward Netsel
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.
WHO WE ARE
We are a national charity working 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 are expected to cover the costs of shipping. Further details about this are available on request .
The types of equipment we commonly have available can be seen below
OUR COLLECTION HUBS
In addition to the main depot in North Yorkshire, PhysioNet has collection hubs located in Gloucestershire, Essex and Inverness . Our charity has no paid volunteers, contractors or sub-contractors.
Additionally, we work in partnership with other UK charities including Jubilee Outreach Yorkshire, Hope and Homes for Children, Jacob’s Well, Margaret Carey Foundation
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.
JOIN US!
If you’d like to join our ever increasing team of dedicated Physionet volunteers, head on over to our volunteer page to sign up. We’d love to see you!