Accounts

Our Trustees

Judy McNamara

I was born and raised in Norway. In 1975 I married an Englishman and moved to this area. After our son and daughter started school, I was for many years Vice Consul for Norway in Newcastle. When our youngest left home for university, I started my degree in Speech and Language Sciences at Newcastle University and joined as a Student Trustee when NETA was formed. I then worked as a Speech and Language Therapist in Newcastle with a special interest in aphasia and stroke rehabilitation. In 2009 I was granted early retirement due to ill health. My interest in supporting people with aphasia is still very strong. I really enjoy my role as a trustee and a volunteer at the NETA Aphasia Support Centre.

Gordon Doney

Born 1956 in Gosforth, lives in Burnopfield, owner of two female Boxer Dogs called Mary and Helen. Gordon's background is in Retail Training and Management Development and has run many Corporate training initiatives for a number of Blue Chip organisations,such as Norwich Union, National Australian Bank, Financial Insurance Group and The Minories Motor Group.

Gordon had a stroke in April 2000 coming home from Norwich. Spend sometime at the Freeman Hospital in Newcastle and then received speech and language therapy immediately at the RVI at Newcastle. Gordon's Speech and Language Therapist helped him enormously.

He was invited to attend the Aphasia Clinic in September 2000. He returned back to work at Norwich Union, part time. He retired in 2003 and was invited to be a Trustee at NETA. Gordon also is a volunteer to the Aphasia Centre helping with clients etc.

Gordon enjoys cooking, favourite chefs are Keith Floyd, Rick Stein and Nigella Lawson, travel, walking his the dogs in the Derwent Valley, sport and is still a keen Newcastle United fan.

Gordon believes that NETA and the Aphasia Centre are both very special to himand would like to see that NETA's success will continue helping those with aphasia in the North East.

Eileen Charnley

I live near Morpeth with my 18 year old triplet daughters. I have worked as a teacher of technology, a self-employed builder and a secretary. I had a stroke in 2004, and attended a 12 week course at the Aphasia Clinic. Following this, I became a Trustee of NETA. I enjoy very much being involved in NETA - it's good to think of something positive resulting from my stroke.

Hugh Williamson

I was working at Newcastle Airport when Jill had her brain stroke in 2002. She returned home after 5 months in hospital. I retired shortly after. Her speech was very poor and all the NHS offered was one session a week. I eventually found out about the Aphasia Centre and finally she got onto the intensive course there which helped her enormously. More help from a lovely Speech Therapist backed up by a friend meant she has slowly but surely regained much of her speech. On the Trustees I represent the numerous carers who provide such vital support to members.

Jill Williamson

I was Head of Maths at a large secondary school in Carlisle ending up as the headteacher of the school. Whilst in post I had a brain haemorrhage resulting in a serious stroke. I had aphasia with a very limited amount of speech. Luckily for me and with determination my speech returned. I am extremely grateful that the Aphasia centre exists at Newcastle University giving me confidence to get my life going again.

Julie Morris

My name is Julie Morris. I am a Speech and Language Therapist working as a lecturer and researcher at Newcastle University in the Speech and Language Sciences section.

I have specialised in working with people with aphasia for many years now and feel privileged to be able to be part of NETA, working directly with people with aphasia in the region. I am a trustee of NETA and currently secretary.

Janet Webster

My name is Janet Webster. I am a Speech and Language Therapist working as a lecturer and researcher at Newcastle University in the Speech and Language Sciences section. Since qualifying as a Speech and Language Therapist, I have worked with people with aphasia. I enjoy working with students and helping them to understand the impact that aphasia has on peoples’ lives. I have recently joined NETA as a trustee and am looking forward to being involved in its on-going work.

Jennifer Gilhespy

I was a nursery nurse at Childsplay when I had my first stroke in 2002. I have two sons and a partner. I love flower arranging, craft club for making birthday and Christmas cards, I enjoy singing in the choir, going to Different Strokes North East and I am enrolled in the befriender scheme to give help and support to other stroke sufferers with aphasia.