meet the team
Martin talbot
interim ceo
What is your current role and what does it involve?
I’m currently Interim CEO, leading the organisation through a transitional period. I was previously Head of Programmes for the Trust which means, responsible for ensuring we deliver best in class activities for young people. This includes innovation, insight and relationship building to ensure we have the right programmes to meet young people’s needs, a highly skilled athlete mentor team to deliver them, and we are able to secure funding to grow our offer. Also as acting Head of Operations, I was responsible for leading the improvement of our working practices to ensure the Trust can best serve young people through efficient and effective operating practices. I’m also our Designated Safeguarding Lead.
What did you do before working at the Trust?
I’ve been really lucky to work in a range of brilliant organisations who are committed to using their reputation and reach to help support young people succeed.
I have over 20 years’ experience of working in youth engagement. This includes working within the youth criminal justice system, providing mentoring opportunities for young people in the City of London, as a founder member of the EY Foundation - an employer lead social mobility charity - and as Head of Programmes for the Liverpool Football Club Foundation, leading programmes in Liverpool and overseas.
What is it you love about working at the Trust?
The concept! Imagine having a world class athlete in your corner, helping you to succeed. All young people are brilliant and have so much to offer, but too often their potential remains untapped. I’ve seen first-hand the transformational impact our athlete mentors have on young people’s aspirations and outlook.
Working with our athletes and staff is also an absolute pleasure.
Tell us a fun or interesting fact about yourself.
I represented Liverpool at chess and that’s as good as my sporting career got!
You can contact me on martint@damekellyholmestrust.org
jo mcdiarmid
Head of communications and marketing
What is your current role and what does it involve?
I am Head of Communications and Marketing. I’m hugely inspired by the opportunities we create at the Trust, both for the world class athletes we help to channel their unique experiences from elite sport as role models and mentors; and for the young people who benefit from our programmes, who, despite the adversity they face, go on to confidently create positive change themselves. My role is to tell their stories and raise awareness of what the Trust does and the positive impact we have.
What did you do before working at the Trust?
I’ve worked for most of my professional life in sport and wellness, creating campaigns and programmes which encourage an active lifestyle, empower people on a journey, and champion the experience of achieving their goals. Prior to joining the Trust, I worked on both a consultancy basis, and as Head of Marketing at a mass participation sports marketing agency, with organisations including Mayor of London, Major League Baseball, Comic Relief and Bath Rugby. I also provide marketing mentoring support to people launching small businesses and I’m a qualified Personal Stylist.
What is it you love about working at the Trust?
I believe in the power of sport for change, and our athlete mentors are incredible! Using it to help future generations become the best version of themselves is really inspirational. Every young person I have met through our programmes has opened my eyes to their talent, their passion and their can-do spirit – they motivate me every day and I am proud to be a Champion in their Corner.
Tell us a fun or interesting fact about yourself
I was a UK Cheerleading Champion in my sporting heyday!
You can contact me on jom@damekellyholmestrust.org
annie moody
Head of Business Development
What is your current role and what does it involve?
I am the Head of Business Development at the Trust and oversee the Income Generate team. My role is varied (which I love), from bringing in new partnerships that truly believe in the work we do, supporting the development of the school and health care programmes and seeking new opportunities to see programmes thrive in different sectors to support more young people to have the best possible start in their life.
What did you do before working at the Trust?
I feel really privileged to have run my own companies for the past 20 years, gaining much experience in different industries. I started and managed an Interior Design company for 10 years, working in both the private and commercial sectors, followed by implementing Youth Development programmes, powered by sport, in state education settings. I am also the co-founder of a charity that drives awareness and supports research for people affected by Brain Tumours and a Trustee for Brave Mind, a mental health charity within rugby communities.
What is it you love about working at the Trust?
I want to level the playing field and provide everyone with the same opportunities, wherever possible. Working for the Trust gives me a clear sense of purpose, knowing that we are making a real difference; turning our aims into action and supporting young people to unlock their potential and change their pathway into adulthood.
Tell us a fun or interesting fact about yourself.
In 2019, I was part of a team of 10 who became the 3rd and largest group ever to climb the ‘North Face’ of Mount Kilimanjaro, all reaching the summit. Not only did we raise £40k for charity but it is, to this day, the most incredible experience I have ever had; nothing will beat living above the clouds and watching the sun rise!
You can contact me on anniem@damekellyholmestrust.org
chloe Neilson hopkins
trusts and grants manager
What is your current role and what does it involve?
I am Trusts and Grants Manager at the Trust. My role involves finding trusts and foundations who have the same passion as the Trust for enabling young people living in disadvantage to fulfil their potential. I then put together a compelling case requesting their financial support to help make this happen. I then keep these funders updated on the difference their funding has made and the impact this has had on young people.
What did you do before working at the Trust?
I’ve had a varied career, starting with a stint in the travel industry which took me to a variety of incredible locations around the world, followed by several years in the events and hospitality sector. Ten years ago, I found my true calling and took up a fundraising position at my local Hospice. Since then, I have gone on to work for charities supporting young people with disabilities and additional needs and then adults and children living with sight loss.
What is it you love about working at the Trust?
I love seeing the change in young people; how they grow in confidence and self-esteem. They stand taller at the end of a programme. Our athletes do an incredible job and its amazing to hear about their own journeys – they really are inspirational role models.
Tell us a fun or interesting fact about yourself
Hmm, during my time working in travel I spent two seasons working in Switzerland and while I was there, I took on the Swiss Alpine Half Marathon; I have a qualification in floristry and I love cooking (mostly) healthy food from scratch for my family – everyone needs a bit of cake, too!
You can contact me on chloenh@damekellyholmestrust.org
bev rigby
senior Finance Manager
What is your current role and what does it involve?
I work at the Trust as the Senior Finance Manager. I am responsible for ensuring the finances within the Trust are tightly managed and accurately reported by having effective processes and procedures in place.
What did you do before working at the Trust?
I have been working within various finance functions within a variety of organisations for over 20 years ranging from the Local Council, NHS to corporate IT companies. I decided that after having children, I wanted to leave the corporate world behind and play a part within a charity that helps young people.
What is it you love about working at the Trust?
My role is not regarded as being front of house and in past roles, I have felt a real sense of disconnection between my job and the organisation. At Dame Kelly Holmes Trust I am able to see the difference we make to young people and the positive impact we have. This is truly heart warming and motivating.
Tell us a fun or interesting fact about yourself.
In my spare time I love playing and watching sports. I’m a keen netball player and partake in Pilates. I also enjoy watching Basketball, Ice Hockey and try to get to London to watch Arsenal as much as possible. My two children ensure any other spare time is well and truly taken up!
You can contact me on bevr@damekellyholmestrust.org
adam whitehead
Development and Curriculum Manager
What is your current role and what does it involve?
I’m the Curriculum and Development Manager at the Trust, which means I’m responsible for writing the content for the programmes we deliver to young people, as well as training given to the athletes. I often work across a number of teams and am involved in funding bids and new programme development.
What did you do before working at the Trust?
I retired from an international swimming career in 2006, during which I become both European and Commonwealth champion as well as competing at the Olympic Games. After retiring I spent some time in Sports Development and coaching. I have been involved with the Trust since 2008 and during that time I have had the opportunity to deliver the young people programmes, as an athlete mentor, as well as managing the team of athlete mentors.
What is it you love about working at the Trust?
I love the team, how everyone is supportive and wants to change the lives of young people for the better. It’s amazing to be a part of that change and to see and hear the impact the programmes make for young people is incredible.
Tell us a fun or interesting fact about yourself
I was deaf until I was 3 years old and learnt how to speak by lipreading. Not interesting, for most people, but I love going carp fishing and spending as much time outdoors as possible.
You can contact me on adamw@damekellyholmestrust.org
sarah gray
programme delivery Manager
What is your current role and what does it involve?
I am the Programmes Delivery Manager for the Trust, my main role is to support a team of Programme Coordinators to deliver meaningful programmes with our partners and Athlete Mentors across the country. It is my role to support the operational delivery of all contracts at the Trust which means overseeing the all the contract details across our team. I am passionate about the work that we deliver within local communities and I believe in the transformation that we make to young people.
What did you do before working at the Trust?
I have believed in the power of sport and physical activity and have worked in sport development for over 20 years. I started out life as a Football Development Officer within Lincolnshire building participation with people with a disability and female football. I was lucky enough to work In Sweden with UEFA and a select committee to discover how we could raise the profile of Womens Football across the UK and beyond. Needless to say this is now a success. I am a qualified football coach and then worked at my local professional club as a coach and with local disabled population to engage them into the club.
What is it you love about working at the Trust?
We have a brilliant set of Athlete Mentors and I genuinely believe in the work that we deliver. I would have loved to have had the opportunity to have a champion in my corner growing up!
Tell us a fun or interesting fact about yourself.
I commit to the gym and love the Les Mills workouts which I complete as many as I can possibly get through. I am a keen Paddleboarder and compete monthly in a timed 5k race... never quite got under an hour yet! However my secret hobby is I love a craft, sewing anything and everything
You can contact me on sarahg@damekellyholmestrust.org
hayley arkinstall
Charity Secretary and Office Manager
What is your current role and what does it involve?
I am responsible for organising, managing and facilitating all charity meetings and overseeing the Board of Trustees and Committee Members, ensuring they have the right information to enable them to make informed decisions and fulfil their responsibilities. I ensure that all our Athlete Mentors are Ready to Work so they are fit to deliver to the young people. I oversee our HR and all onboarding of the team and Athlete Mentors. I also lead on GDPR, and data protection matters that arise, continually ensuring that the team are all up to date with knowledge and training.
What did you do before working at the Trust?
Before working at the Trust I worked in the leisure industry for fifteen years in a variety of capacities; leaving the leisure industry as Sales and Marketing Manager and leading at one of the largest sites in the Southwest. I then made the move to the charity sector by managing a local community centre as it gave me the option to build ties within the local community and better support my family also. This experience led me to realise I could use my skills within an organisation linked to both industries I enjoyed.
What is it you love about working at the Trust?
I am passionate about helping young people and the power an athlete mentor can have to develop and support them through their training in sport. It is amazing to work in such a flexible, understanding and family friendly environment. I work with a great team of people where I have built some amazing friendships and who will always be there to support one another.
Tell us a fun or interesting fact about yourself.
I swam at National level and continued an intense training regime right up until I was 41 weeks pregnant with my first child! I am still passionate about swimming but now only enjoy swimming with my children at a much more leisurely pace. I still spend several nights a week at the pool with at least one of my five swimming stars in the making and love watching them swim and competing in their galas!
You can contact me on hayleya@damekellyholmestrust.org
Ali watson
insights and impact manager
What is your current role and what does it involve?
I’m the Insights and Impact Manager at the Trust. My main role is to measure the outcomes young people achieve on our transformational programmes, to evaluate what works well, and to help the Trust identify any areas for future development.
What did you do before working at the Trust?
I worked in banking and later as a university-based researcher before moving into the charity sector, where I’ve worked in a range of areas including homelessness, health and wellbeing, and drug and alcohol use. Before I joined the Trust, I was the insights manager for Manchester City’s community football foundation.
What is it you love about working at the Trust?
I decided to work in charities because I wanted to help make a positive difference to people’s lives. I feel very lucky that my role enables me to meet the young people who take part in our programmes as well as the athletes who mentor and inspire them, and to see first-hand how they benefit from the work the Trust does.
Tell us a fun or interesting fact about yourself
When I’m not in the office you’re most likely to find me going to music gigs, taking photographs of street art, or playing a slot at a local vinyl night.
You can contact me on aliw@damekellyholmestrust.org
pippa stott
partnerships and fundraising events manager
What is your current role and what does it involve?
I have the pleasure of building relationships with all of our partners to deliver powerful social impact with young people and the communities that need us most. From volunteer opportunities, to bringing our world-class athletes together with partner workforces, I ensure that we work together to benefit everyone. I also support with our variety of fundraising activity across the Trust.
What did you do before working at the Trust?
Prior to working at the Trust I worked in the events sector organising corporate days, graduations, roadshows and sports events. I also spent two years working in Hong Kong as a teacher. I decided to make the move into the charity sector and haven’t looked back since!
What is it you love about working at the Trust?
Having studied sport at University, I truly believe in the power that our athletes have to inspire others and support their health and wellbeing. Working for the Trust, I am lucky enough to see first hand the impact that our programmes have on young people across the UK.
Tell us a fun or interesting fact about yourself
I am an avid supporter of Warrington Wolves, Formula 1 and Liverpool FC. In 2022 I ran my first marathon, however I can more often be found as a parkrun tourist on a Saturday morning!
You can contact me on philippas@damekellyholmestrust.org
victoria barker
partnerships and business development manager
What is your current role and what does it involve?
I have the pleasure of building relationships with all of our partners to deliver powerful social impact with young people and the communities that need us most. From volunteer opportunities, to bringing our world-class athletes together with partner workforces, I ensure that we work together to benefit everyone. I also support with our variety of fundraising activity across the Trust.
What did you do before working at the Trust?
Prior to joining the Trust, I’ve been running my own company that helps protect founders from unethical coaching, I recently exited the business have been eager to join a cause that is creating a positive impact in the world.
What is it you love about working at the Trust?
I’ve worked in the coaching and mentoring industry for many years and seen the profound impact it has on an individual’s life. I’ve seen people completed shift their way of thinking and have the confidence and motivation to go after what they really want. Unfortunately, due to the high cost of coaching, it’s mainly been reserved for those on a much higher income. I truly believe that young people need access to this the most, especially those facing challenges in their everyday lives. When I heard about the trust, I instantly knew this is something I wanted to join.
Tell us a fun or interesting fact about yourself.
In 2016 I launched an iOS app that gave users a series of light-hearted and funny questions to ask their friends and family and it recorded their answers to share on social media. Their videos were being shared across the UK/ USA/ Asia within a few months! Unfortunately, I was hacked 6 months later and lost the code.. but it was a great learning experience that I’m happy I did.
You can contact me on victoriab@damekellyholmestrust.org
alexandra kurek
programme coordinator
What is your current role and what does it involve?
As Programme Coordinator for GOSH I will be supporting the set up of the new programme working with Great Ormond Street Hospital, I will work initially with hospital staff to promote the programme internally and in the future with the parents of patients who are referred onto the programme, matching them with an Athlete Mentor and ensuring they have a great experience.
What did you do before working at the Trust?
I worked for I worked for Badminton England, a National Governing body, for many years in both the development and performance team, before joining the Trust initially as a Programme Coordinator.
What is it you love about working at the Trust?
We have a very dedicated team of staff and brilliant Athlete Mentors who really know how to get the best out of the young people we work with, and we are very lucky to be able to see the impact of our programmes at events and visits.
Tell us a fun or interesting fact about yourself
I am qualified personal trainer, but have only ever used it to work as volunteer with university sports teams, and I am a little bit rusty now!
You can contact me on alexandrak@damekellyholmestrust.org
jordan hart
programme coordinator
What is your current role and what does it involve?
I have a dual role at the Trust. In the first instance, I am the Programme coordinator. I work with partners such as AQA and national funders to ensure the successful execution of the Trust's programmes nationwide. I build partnerships with participating schools and the athlete mentor team and meet fantastic people. I am also an Athlete Mentor at the Trust; I am part of the team that delivers the amazing programmes mentioned above to young people. I also support providing successful events for the Trust's corporate partners.
What did you do before working at the Trust?
Before joining the trust in May 2022, I was a Professional Athlete and travelled the world representing my country, Wales and GB in European, World and Commonwealth Competitions. I dedicated 20 years to my sport of Badminton. I achieved results including Multiple British Champion, Top 10 in Europe, the highest World ranking of 62 and Jamaica, Barbados, Latvia, Poland and Cuba Open Champion.
What is it you love about working at the Trust?
At first, I joined the Trust as an Athlete Mentor and felt a fantastic sense of Team. I knew I wanted to be involved as much as possible and be part of its incredible work. The young people we meet are remarkable, and I am incredibly grateful to be part of the Dame Kelly Holmes Trust Family.
Tell us a fun or interesting fact about yourself.
I started my sport ultimately by luck; some may say fate. My dad took me swimming at age eight at my local leisure centre, and that week, there was a badminton club starting. It cost 50p to join. So, my Dad paid the 50p and went to get a cup of tea. From there, I became Jordan, a Professional Badminton Player.
You can contact me on jordanh@damekellyholmestrust.org
ruth mwandumba
programme coordinator
What is your current role and what does it involve?
I am a Programme Coordinator, and I coordinate and develop the Trust’s programmes within the established Sheffield hub. I oversee the delivery of sessions, supporting young people across a range of education and community programmes.
What did you do before working at the Trust?
Before working at the Trust, I was working for British Shooting as an Engagement Manager for their ‘#TargetChange’ initiative, which aims to introduce a new audience into the world of Olympic and Paralympic shooting sports.
What is it you love about working at the Trust?
I’ve always been passionate about helping and engaging young people in sporting activities, so I love that working at the Trust gives me an opportunity to explore these passions!
Tell us a fun or interesting fact about yourself
I’m a current international athlete in the sport of Shooting, and I am on the British Olympic World Class Programme.
You can contact me on ruthm@damekellyholmestrust.org