About Us
Who manages and administers Diabetes Guernsey ?
Diabetes Guernsey is managed by a team of four committed Trustees, all resident in Guernsey. Being a charity, the Trustees receive no remuneration for their time and services. The Trustees meet at least once per month to discharge their duties.
Chairman – Matt Ferguson
Matt is our ever optimistic and creative thinker. As a type 1 diabetic, Matt has lived with the condition for many years and has a real understanding of the impact diabetes has on people’s lives. The charity is thriving thanks to Matt’s boundless energy and enthusiasm.
Matt somehow manages full time work, a very busy family life with two teenagers and a toddler alongside his hugely impactful role as Chairman for the charity. If you need ideas translated into action, Matt is your man. We are very grateful to have Matt at the helm of Diabetes Guernsey, especially his focus on Diabetes Guernsey Youth where Matt has invested substantial time and effort coordinating events and activities for our younger community living with diabetes.
Secretary – Sophie Roughsedge
Sophie manages to fit in volunteering for the Charity alongside a full-time work schedule and mum of two (occasionally grumpy) teenagers! Unusually, Sophie does not have a diagnosis of diabetes but has seen first-hand the significant impact that diabetes has on people’s daily lives. She has supported colleagues in the workplace to manage their condition with support and empathy so that they can be successful at work and has also spent time with children who have diabetes through her former life as a teacher and through having personal friends impacted by diabetes. It has been direct contact with those adapting to living with diabetes which motivated Sophie to join the charity. Sophie keeps all the other Trustees organised with ruthless efficiency!
Treasurer – Tim Revill
Tim is a “retired” chartered accountant and a Type 2 diabetic. He was probably diabetic for several years, before being formally diagnosed, when a D-I-Y injury failed to heal and resulted in sepsis (which luckily he survived).
Since that incident, he has modified his diet (no smoothies nor orange juice), reduced his carbohydrate intake and done more exercise. In other words, he has continued to “live well with diabetes”. Tim is an optimistic glass half-full person, who keeps us on track with the budget, ideas for fundraising and updates on our ever increasing donations.
Trustee – Chris McDonnell
Chris has lived with Type 1 diabetes for most of his life. Chris has been a constant within the charity for many years and has contributed significant time and energy to many of our successful events.
Chris featured in one of our recent films highlighting the serious health risks if diabetes is not well-managed. We thank Chris for his honesty, positivity and continued commitment to the charity. We could not achieve what we do without him!