A Charitable Incorporated Organisation (charity number 1205165)

Meet the Trustees

Hi, I’m Val, and although I don’t have Long Covid, I was one of the group's original founders, facilitating and providing the service that has developed into Greater Manchester Long Covid Support Support. My role has also expanded, and I protect and advocate for our members, earning the nickname of the “Validator”. I am now the CEO and Trustee for Outreach and Engagement, hosting our member meetings, safeguarding and ensuring our members receive the support they need.

Our members say…

“Val was the first to listen and appreciate the complex nature of Long Covid, providing a platform for members to express their feelings, to be heard and to be listened to, and to provide the help that has been so lacking elsewhere.”

“Val is a true ally of all who suffer with Long Covid, welcoming members from anywhere in the world who she can help. Val knows more about Long Covid than most people who have had Covid and more than most of my healthcare professionals.”

An ally is someone that aligns with and supports a cause with another individual or group of people.

"I am attempting to row down the river in Knaresborough; this is just before I crashed the boat!"

Hi I'm Tori. My Long Covid journey has been very eventful, including several operations which I have now finally recovered from. I am currently in training to become a solicitor and have to balance my work commitments with my volunteering for the charity, as well as my own struggles with fatigue as a result of Long Covid. I am using my legal and administrative skills to provide all the important background services which keep this wonderful group running, and I am the Finance Lead and Secretary of Greater Manchester Long Covid Support. Although I often cannot attend the weekly Zoom calls due to my work commitments, I have developed strong relationships with our members at our social events and am committed to keeping the Greater Manchester Long Covid Support Family active.

Our members say....

“Tori has inspired me to take on new challenges and push myself to try new things.  Although I know she is still battling with Long Covid, her return to work has made me believe this could still be possible.  I don’t know how she juggles so many things at once but she never lets anyone down.”

Hi, I'm Alanna. I first caught Covid in March 2022 and unluckily again in February 2023, ending up in hospital. I have other long-term conditions since a teenager, which has made managing the symptoms of Long Covid even more difficult, but I always try to use my experiences to benefit our members. As well as being the Communications Lead for Greater Manchester Long Covid Support, I am an active member of this group as well as other support groups for my conditions, helping and supporting many people. I provide all of Greater Manchester Long Covid Support’s member communications, keeping everyone up to date about our events. I am very creative, and I have used this skill to develop Greater Manchester Long Covid Support’s branding.

Our members say…

“Alanna is my role model! Although she’s had long-term conditions since she was a teenager, she doesn’t let anything hold her back! Her kindness shines through, and she is a great friend to us all.”

"I'm at Musical Con on my scooter enjoying all things musical theatre"

Hi, I'm Frances, I had Covid in back the first wave back in March 2020 and spent my first year trying to convince the NHS that I didn’t have Covid so someone would see me! It’s been a long journey, but I’ve finally started to get the help I needed with the help of advocacy from Greater Manchester Long Covid Support. While I’ve been waiting, I’ve been exploring alternative remedies and have noticed benefits from acupuncture, meditation and instrumental music. Although I’ve not been working for a long time, I have a legal background and I am the Legal Lead in the Greater Manchester Long Covid Support Family, acting behind the scenes to help our Members Services team take care our of members.

Our members say...

“Frances is a very strong lady that is so hard-working and committed to everything she does, and her health struggles certainly don’t dampen her humour! She is a very valued member of the Greater Manchester Long Covid Support Family.”

Lisa was a founding Trustee of Greater Manchester Long Covid Support.

She worked incredibly hard and gave up endless hours to assist in establishing Greater Manchester Long Covid Support, and was so proud of the community we created. Lisa took on the role of Co-Engagement Lead, which involved running weekly Zoom support sessions, hosting face-to-face meet-ups, welcoming all new members and helping with member enquiries, and so much more behind the scenes.

Lisa sadly passed away on 13 January 2024.

The Trustees endeavour to keep Lisa’s spirit alive in all that we do with Greater Manchester Long Covid support. Her legacy lives on. Please see the tab called “Blossom’s Corner” for more about Lisa.

All of our Charity Representatives are volunteers, and although they are committed to ensuring the best possible service for our members, it may not be possible to respond to you as quickly as we would like.

The Trustees would like to thank all others who have helped get Greater Manchester Long Covid Support running and all of our members for helping to build our community.

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