
Our Team
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Frances Connolly
Founder & CEO
Frances was born in Northern Ireland, the eldest of six and, despite coming from a less than privileged background, has been involved in charity work since her primary school days. Both her parents and teachers instilled in her a strong work ethic and a desire to help whenever and wherever possible. When she left Queens University and moved to Hartlepool she carried this with her, and views the opportunity to support and assist her adopted home on a larger scale as a privilege. She is thoroughly enjoying taking a full and active role in helping the community.

Shaun Hope
Chairman
Shaun is Chairman of the Trust and is the Assistant Principal at Hartlepool College of Further Education. Having lived in the town for the majority of his life, Shaun is passionate about creating better opportunities for local people.

Carl Jorgeson
Trustee
Carl was born in Hartlepool and has dedicated his entire adult life to founding and managing Hartlepool Wadokai Karate Club. The club has over 300 students and supports people to compete and represent the town all over the world.

Fiona Connoly
Trustee
Fiona was born and has lived in Hartlepool all her life and shares her mother’s desire to do as much good as she can in the North East. She is committed to the Trust's ethos of helping people to help themselves and is enjoying meeting the people who work in the projects.

Kelly Brooks
Event and Fundraising Manager
A devoted wife and mother of three, Kelly has spent her entire life in the close-knit community of Hartlepool Kelly's professional journey began with a background in Social Housing, Benefits, and Homelessness, supporting vulnerable individuals and families facing housing and financial challenges.
Life took an unexpected turn when Kelly faced a period of ill health. She decided to channel her compassion and determination into a career in the voluntary sector, where she could make a meaningful difference in the lives of those in need. Kelly's decision to join the PFC Trust was a natural fit.

Sally Dunne
Trustee
Born in Hartlepool, Sally has lived most of her life in the town and worked in the fire service for 30 years before changing careers to become a tutor. A huge animal lover, she also volunteers with animal charities and lives in the town with her husband and two cats.

Jen Bevridge
Trustee
My every day role is working within my husband’s building company The Build Directory.
My husband Alisdair has definitely been my inspiration to be more involved with charitable endeavours and it is a real privilege to work with the PFC Trust.
My goal as a Trustee for the PFC Trust is to assist where I can in supporting the amazing team here at the Trust. My involvement is a great opportunity to help ‘on the ground’ whether that be assisting with the grant application process, volunteering at a variety of fantastic events, or playing a part in the fantastic fundraising activities we can all participate in. It really is wonderful to see much needed funds making such an impact to the local community and to such a variety of wonderful causes.

Kelly Daley
Trustee
Kelly is Chair of the Hartlepool Sport CIC and has worked within education and sport since college. Having lived in the town since birth and having played football to a high standard from an early age, Kelly is passionate about building a strong foundation for all generations to access sustainable sporting activity. With the vision to boost self-development for all involved, minimising barriers and boosting a wealth of opportunity along the way, and providing the much needed recognition for Hartlepool as a town.

George Stannard
Trustee
Originally from North London, followed a career in insurance and became a Company Director of a large insurance broker. Moved to South Lakes in 1987 initially as a Regional Underwriter for a Lloyds Syndicate and finally a Business Development Consultant at Lancaster & Morecambe College.
George was a founder and Chairman of a football club, secretary of the largest open Art Exhibition in North West England for four years and a Director of a Residential Care Home. Moved to Hartlepool in 2018 and was pleased to become a trustee of the Gus Robinson Foundation and more recently the PFC Trust.

Diana Russel
Trustee
Dianna has lived in Hartlepool for over 30 years. Following a career in the NHS since the 1970s as both a nurse and in medical education, she has recently retired. An adventurer at heart, she has four grown up sons and lives with her husband and dog Charlie.

Mike Walker
Trust Administrator
Mike Walker is a seasoned trust administrator with over two decades of valuable experience. Over the course of his 24-year career, Mike has consistently delivered excellence in administration. His attention to detail and organisational skills have made him an invaluable asset to The PFC Trust. While Mike excels in his professional life, he is equally proud of his most cherished accomplishments – his two wonderful children and his loving husband. They are the driving force behind his unwavering commitment to creating a secure and prosperous future for all families and individuals The PFC Trust serves.