Helping Change Lives
Our Team
The Trust is led by a small group of trustees with a broad range of experience.
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Day to day operations are led by a small team.
Frances Connolly
Founder & President
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 has recently taken up a new role as Principal and Chief Executive Office for Bishop Auckland College group following his departure from 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 so chair of The PFC Trust since its conception is a natural fit.
Fiona Connoly
Trustee & CEO (Non-Operational)
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.
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
Vice Chair
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.
Gary Riches
Trustee
Gary is the Vice Principal at Hartlepool College of Further Education.
Gary has both lived and worked in the town his entire life.
He has a passion for education and seeing people achieve both academically and in sport.
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In his younger days, Gary has played football locally, regionally, and nationally for various teams.
He now spends his weekends watching his children play football and cricket, and is a member of the committee at Seaton Carew Cricket Club.
John O'Sullivan
Trustee
John is an Invester, Developer and Property Sourcing expert and has recently joined our board to share his expertise.
Carl Jorgeson
Chief Operating Officer
Carl was born in Hartlepool and has a wealth of experience across the Voluntary Sector and has held leadership positions within national companies and national sports organisations.
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Carl is also the founder of several Sports organisations and is an International referee (Karate).
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Carl is also Chief Executive Officer for Hartlepool Sport CIC - the sport, health and movement arm of the charity.
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Kelly Brooks
Operations 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.
Calvin George
Chief Operating Officer,
Hartlepool Sport CIC
Calvin George is a seasoned finance professional with over a decade of experience in the sector, particularly in equities. After relocating to the UK, Calvin shifted his focus to the voluntary, community, and social enterprise (VCSE) sector, where he has made significant contributions to youth development and mental health initiatives.
He holds an EEBP for CAMHS qualification from Northumbria University, equipping him with valuable expertise in supporting children and young people within mental health services. His commitment to this field is evident through his hands-on experience working with vulnerable youth.
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.
Louise George
Health & Wellbeing Link Worker
Louise leads on several projects for The PFC Trust / Hartlepool Sport.
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Louise is a former, primary school teacher of ten years based in primary schools within in the UK and abroad. She draws on her experience of working with children and young people from a wide range of ages, backgrounds, cultures, interests and needs and applies it to her work in removing the barriers that prevent communities in Hartlepool from leading happier and more active lives.
Her passions include running (occasionally barefoot), walking her dog and exploring new places with her family in tow.
Always one to ‘think outside the box’, Louise brings a creative flair to whatever she tries her hand at, be it an event or resource she has created.
She also holds The PFC Trust record for the brightest pair of leggings – never one to blend in!
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Take a look at www.hartlepoolsport.co.uk for more.
Phil Wallis
Sports Officer
Phil is an accomplished level 3 Rugby coach and talent development officer with a rich background in coaching at both senior and junior levels, across male and female pathways. Notably, Phil was entrusted by the RFU to establish the North-East and Cumbria Centre of Excellence, where they successfully implemented RFU frameworks and achieved significant player selections for the England U18’s and Scotland U18’s.
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Phil has held pivotal roles including Head of Rugby at Gateshead College and Lead Coach at DMP Sharks Centre of Excellence and assistant coach at DMP Sharks, working closely with top-tier international players. Phil has complemented his academic qualifications with certifications such as RFU Level 3 Coach and RFU Coach Developer and Developer and becoming a Level 3 Mentor.
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Phil brings a meticulous approach to coaching and sports development highlighted during his time at England Rugby as a community Rugby coach, emphasising attention to detail, strong organisational skills, and exceptional interpersonal abilities.
Alongside his role at Hartlepool Sport and the PFC Trust, Phil is also Head of Women’s Performance Rugby at Northumbria Rugby a position he has held since 2021.
TBC
Young Person's
Social Prescribing Link Worker
Info to follow