Our Trustees

At Empire Fighting Chance, our dedicated Board of Trustees brings exceptional expertise and strategic insight to guide our mission of transforming young lives. Drawing from backgrounds in mental health, education, finance, governance, community leadership, and sports, they steward our resources with integrity, uphold the highest standards of accountability, and ensure every decision advances our goal.

Dr. Simon Newitt

Simon is a cultural anthropologist and sociologist with a 25-year+ professional background working in a variety of frontline and leadership roles across children’s and adult mental health services. He has also taught at several UK universities on issues of youth, social exclusion, and mental health. For nine years he was Chief Executive of the award-winning young people’s mental health charity, Off the Record (Bristol), and he is currently a senior consultant in leadership and organisation development at The King’s Fund, a health think-tank based in London that works with leaders at all levels across the NHS, local government and third sector. Simon is the Chair of Trustees.

ABDIFITAH AWALE

Abdi is a software engineer at Worldline, bringing technical expertise and a deep connection to Empire Fighting Chance. Born in Somalia and raised in Bristol since age eight, he graduated with honours in Electrical and Electronics Engineering from UWE Bristol in 2018. A member of Empire Fighting Chance since 2005, Abdifitah credits the charity for providing mentorship, community, and positive role models throughout his youth.

NATHAN PEACEY

Nathan is a Partner at national law firm Foot Anstey where he is responsible for its Risk Advisory offering helping clients with governance, compliance, and defence of regulatory prosecutions. He leads the firm’s Bristol presence and its engagement with local business and community initiatives and manages several key client relationships.

Alexander campbell

Alexander has held senior positions in strategy and marketing development in the financial services industry. Alexander has over 20 years’ experience in martial arts and boxing, and currently runs a youth club in north Bristol.

KATHARINE WILKINSON

Katharine Wilkinson is a finance leader with over 15 years’ experience supporting growing and mission-driven organisations. Trained at EY, she has held senior finance roles across technology, environmental and social impact organisations, including Finance Director positions in fast-growing SMEs and impact-led organisations. She brings expertise in financial planning, systems and controls, governance and board reporting, and is passionate about using finance as a force for good.

Dr. Amy Woodrow

Dr Amy Woodrow is a dedicated educational leader and safeguarding professional currently serving as a director and senior mental health lead at a large further education college. With a background as a PGCE-qualified lecturer and PhD in Education, she combines leadership excellence with a strategic focus on student welfare, mental health, and inclusive practice.

MIKE LEAMAN

Mike Leaman is a career coach and former secondary school Deputy Headteacher. He is the co-founder of Classroom Exit Coach, supporting teachers and school leaders both in the UK and internationally through career change, and has built a large online community via strategic marketing and partnerships. He brings expertise in educational leadership, safeguarding, supporting vulnerable young people and families, mental health, business development and social impact.