Roger Walton, Chair of Trustees
Roger Walton brings extensive leadership experience and a deep commitment to public service in his role as Chair of Trustees at Martha Trust. A chartered civil engineer by training, Roger began his career in the private sector before moving into local government, where he served for many years as a Director at Dover District Council. Now retired from his professional role, Roger continues to dedicate his time and expertise to community-focused initiatives.
Alongside his work with Martha Trust, Roger is Chair of Governors at a local primary school and an active member of the Dover Rotary Club, where he supports local charitable projects. Married and a father of two, Roger is passionate about creating inclusive environments where people of all abilities can thrive.
As Chair of Trustees, Roger provides strategic oversight and guidance, helping to ensure that Martha Trust remains true to its mission and values. His thoughtful leadership and strong sense of civic responsibility make him a valued steward of the charity’s future.
Humphrey Clarke
Humphrey has been a dedicated supporter of Martha Trust for many years, both as a Trustee and previously as Chair of the Board. His connection to the charity began through a personal journey—his daughter, Beth, who has profound disabilities, first came to Martha for respite care. That experience sparked a lasting relationship built on trust, compassion, and shared values.
With a professional background in building engineering, Humphrey brings valuable technical expertise to the organisation.
Humphrey’s insight, lived experience, and professional knowledge make him a vital member of the Board. His ongoing commitment reflects a deep belief in Martha’s mission to provide exceptional care and support for people with profound disabilities.
John Quin
John brings a wealth of strategic leadership and financial expertise to his role as Finance Trustee at Martha Trust. A former CEO with extensive experience in both governance and financial oversight, John served as Chair of the MAF UK Board from 2007 to 2010, where he helped guide the organisation through a period of growth and operational development.
At Martha, John plays a vital role in safeguarding the charity’s financial health and long-term sustainability. He provides expert advice and support to the CEO and Associate Director of Finance, helping to shape financial strategy, strengthen risk management, and ensure robust financial controls are in place.
John’s deep understanding of charity finance, combined with his board-level experience, makes him an invaluable member of the Trustee team. His thoughtful guidance helps Martha Trust remain resilient, transparent, and well-positioned to continue delivering exceptional care for people with profound disabilities.
Georgina Hovey
Georgina brings decades of experience and sector knowledge to her role as Trustee at Martha Trust. Her involvement with FitzRoy Support, a national charity supporting people with learning disabilities, began in 1990. From 2001 to 2016, Georgina served on FitzRoy’s Board of Trustees, where she developed extensive expertise in charity governance, strategic oversight, and service delivery.
Her long-standing commitment to the learning disability sector has given Georgina a thorough understanding of the challenges and opportunities involved in providing high-quality, person-centred care. She continues to champion inclusive practices and supports Martha Trust in maintaining strong governance and delivering impactful services.
Georgina’s insight, experience, and dedication make her a valued member of the Board, helping to guide the charity’s mission with clarity and compassion.
Richard Pitt
Richard is a practicing solicitor based in Canterbury, with extensive experience across all areas of private client care. His legal expertise spans wills, probate, estate planning, and family matters—making him a valuable asset to Martha Trust in ensuring sound governance and compliance.
As a Trustee, Richard brings a thoughtful and principled approach to decision-making, informed by both his professional background and his commitment to ethical practice. He is also a member of the Christian Fellowship of Lawyers, reflecting his dedication to integrity and service within the legal profession.
Richard’s insight and legal acumen support Martha Trust’s mission to provide compassionate, high-quality care, while safeguarding the charity’s long-term interests.
Dr Rebecca Pryse
Dr Pryse, brings a wealth of clinical experience and compassionate insight to her role as Trustee at Martha Trust. A former GP, Rebecca qualified from Guy’s Hospital and began her medical career with junior doctor posts in London before completing her GP training in Sheffield.
She spent over two decades as a GP Partner in Buckinghamshire, where she provided dedicated care to a diverse patient population. Her responsibilities included overseeing the clinical wellbeing of a large boarding school and a local care home, alongside contributing at board level within the Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG). This breadth of experience has given her a deep understanding of both frontline care and strategic healthcare planning.
Rebecca and her family have since returned to Walmer, close to where she was raised. She is delighted to bring her clinical knowledge and personal commitment to support the team at Martha Trust. Her insight into complex care needs and her passion for person-centred healthcare make her a valued member of the Board.
Robert Sparkes
Rob has been a proud resident of Deal for nearly 30 years and brings a unique blend of technical expertise and community spirit to his role as Trustee at Martha Trust. With a professional background in IT, Rob has worked across both the NHS and private sector, gaining valuable experience in systems management, digital infrastructure, and technology-driven service delivery. His insight into operational efficiency and data security adds an important dimension to the charity’s governance.
Currently training to become a Church of England minister, Rob is deeply committed to pastoral care and supporting others. His journey reflects a strong dedication to service—both spiritual and practical—and aligns closely with Martha’s values of compassion, dignity, and inclusion.
Rob’s combination of technical knowledge, local roots, and emerging ministry brings a thoughtful and grounded perspective to the Board. He is proud to support an organisation that makes a meaningful difference in the lives of people with profound disabilities.