Our Trustees

Julie Duff – Chair

Julie has been involved in Down Syndrome Cheshire from the early days. She became involved when her son Josh was about 12 months old. Josh has Down’s syndrome and Julie really saw the value of having a group where you could share experiences and learn from each other. She was enchanted by the supportive community that she had been thrown into.

In life BC (Before Children), Julie studied Business and after graduating many years ago, she worked in a number of roles in HR at Virgin Trains, Accenture and Orange. This experience has really helped Julie grow and shape the charity from its wonderful beginnings to a more stable and sustainable charity that will help to support future generations of children with Down’s syndrome.

Meet Our Trustees

We’re grateful for the hard work and time our dedicated trustees put into Down Syndrome Cheshire. Thank you!

Phil Hilditch

Education Trustee

Phil has more than 40 years experience working in education, spending the last 21 years as the head teacher at Davenham CE Primary school. He brings a wealth of experience in the education sector. His vast amount of knowledge and understanding in the field provides invaluable support to the Charity.

Anna Varela-Raynes

Parent representative Trustee

Anna is mum to two sets of twins. She received a post-natal diagnosis of Down’s syndrome for her youngest child. Anna says from the early days Down Syndrome Cheshire has been a great support for her family, providing them with information, advice and access to training courses, playgroups and the chance to meet other families.

Anne Lewis

Secretary Trustee

Anne is a retired Personal Secretary for ONS and Employment Department within Runcorn. She currently volunteers for Halton Heritage Partnership and Norton Priory and is a founder member and Trustee of Runcorn Locks Restoration Society. Anne became a grandmother of Evan, born on 17 December 2019, who has Down’s syndrome. Congratulations Anne on your gorgeous grandson! With a lifetime of experience in both employed and volunteer roles, Anne is a great asset to our Board of Trustees.

Sue Tranter

Post-18 Parent Trustee

Sue is mum to four boys, the youngest of whom, Joe, has Down’s syndrome. He is currently in his final year at Petty Pool College. Sue recently retired after working for many years in administration at a local primary school. Sue has been involved with Down Syndrome Cheshire since Joe was young and appreciates the support from the amazing community that is CDS.

Katie Mattinson

Human Resources and Business Trustee

Katie first started volunteering for Down Syndrome Cheshire about three - four years ago, at first decorating Christmas baubles and presenting the school awareness assemblies, then moving on to helping with recruitment of some of the amazing people who keep the charity running. Katie has volunteered in many roles over the years, including Parish Council and school governor positions, but her career background was focused on recruiting the right people to the right job and keeping them happy there! The passion of all the people involved in CDS is infectious and Katie is honoured to be a part of the team.

Gina Hulme

Community Representative Trustee

Gina works with Healthwatch in Northwich and the Countess of Chester Hospital. She is also an ambassador for the Special Olympics Great Britain Team, having competed for GB in gymnastics. As a trustee of CDS, Gina represents the views of our members and supports us to develop interesting and inclusive services.