MEET THE TEAM
As a Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation, we have a Board of Trustees that oversee our activities. The Board holds regular meetings, and generally controls the activities of Neuro Central. It is responsible for ensuring that we meet our legal obligations as a charity.
However, the charity could not survive without many other volunteers in the team. Together with the trustees they make up the committee which organises all of Neuro Central’s activities and events.
Jackie Paterson
Chair and Trustee
I was diagnosed, age 20, with MS in 1981. Shortly after stopping work in 1987, I became a committee member of the Stirling Branch of the MS Society, eventually serving as a Support Volunteer, Secretary and Chair until my resignation at the end of 2016. I have also been Chair of Clacks Access Group, a Director of the Disabled Persons Housing Service and at present am member of the Stakeholder Group of Dial-a-Journey.
It is has become obvious to me over my years of volunteering that mixing with people in a similar position is, by far, the best way to gain knowledge and confidence. Having a neurological condition is a challenge – it is the aim of Neuro Central to make it a wee bit easier.
Lynne Jackson
Vice Chair and Trustee
I live in Crieff with my husband and 2 dogs. I love spending time with my family especially my first grandchild who arrived this year. After leaving school I went to work in social care, working both in the private sector and for the council. I was a manager for an Abbeyfield charity when I had to finish working in late 2019 due to my health deteriorating.
Neuro Central is a fantastic charity and is close to my heart. Not only do I have a neurological condition but so do my mum, niece and my grandmother who was diagnosed in her late 60s with Parkinson’s.
Jane Logan
Treasurer and Trustee
I'm Jane Logan, originally from Manchester however lived in Scotland longer than I lived in England. Have two grown up girls keeping me on my toes and a beautiful little Miniature Schnauzer called Maya. Diagnosed with MS eventually in 1997 notes read suspected MS since 1991. Gave up work 6 years ago but keep busy meeting friends and gardening. Really excited about Neuro Central and what we can offer and how we can all support each other.
Moira McDonald
Assistant Treasurer and Trustee
Hi I'm Moira McDonald. I grew up in East Kilbride but have lived in Dunblane since 1991.I am married to Kenneth and I have 3 grown up kids - Andrew is in the RAF, Catriona is a Primary School Teacher and Nicola works for Active Stirling.
I was diagnosed with MS in 2008 and had to give up work shortly afterwards as my employers were not very sympathetic. I love being part of Neuro Central and especially the support you get from other members.
Paul Rimmer
Secretary and Trustee
I’m Paul Rimmer and I was diagnosed with myasthenia gravis in 2015, just two months before I retired from my career as a civil engineer. It was something of a shock to find I had something that I had never heard of. Turned out it is a neuromuscular condition which weakens the voluntary muscles, and in my case it is the throat muscles making it difficult to speak and swallow. I’ve been lucky though in that many myasthenics’ muscles are much more badly affected than I have been. Although I’ve had two spells in hospital, at the moment everything is under control and I’m able to enjoy getting out and about on my bike from my home in Stirling.
Neuro Central gives an excellent opportunity to broaden awareness of all neurological conditions. Above all though it provides a safe haven for those who want to share experiences and support others in what can be difficult times.
David Thomson
Trustee
David is a neurological specialist nurse at Forth Valley Royal Hospital. He has been interested in Neuro Central for some years and he has been instrumental in organising fund-raising events for us. He joined our Board as a trustee at the AGM in 2022.
Sally Boa
Trustee
I’m Sally Boa and work at Strathcarron Hospice where I lead the Education and Research team. I originally qualified as a Speech and Language Therapist and have worked in the third sector and NHS for over 35 years. During that time, I have developed a keen interest in supporting people living with neurological conditions. I am delighted to be able to support the work of Neuro Central in my capacity as a Trustee
Morna Blake
Trustee
I am Morna Blake, 45 and live in Perth. I grew up in Qatar and went to boarding school in Crieff. After being in the Army I worked in local government agencies in Perth. After falling ill in 2015 I had to stop working. My mobility and cognitive issues took an extreme toll. It was during this grief phase of illness I stumbled upon Neuro Central. It became my only social life and lifeline. I am a fierce supporter of Neuro Central now. I also garden and have house plants as my hobby, along with two dogs and a cat. Neuro Central has opened up my life again, plus bringing an old friend into it brought us together again.
Gillian Sharpe
Trustee
I live in Clackmannanshire with my husband, two sons and two Fox Red Labradors.
Diagnosed with Young Onset Parkinson’s in 2020, I have a positive can-do attitude, believe in staying as physically and mentally active as possible and can see the benefit of social interaction whilst supporting others.
I am a retired Pharmacist and currently a mental health mentor at the University of Stirling.
I very much enjoy attending Neuro Central and as a Trustee, I aim to support the continuing excellent work of such a worthwhile charity.
Heather Wilson
Volunteer
My name is Heather Wilson. I was born in St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada, and lived in Nova Scotia for a number of years. I am married to a Scots/Canadian and have 3 daughters. I took early retirement after 30 years of working as a Pharmacy Technician for NHS Forth Valley Pharmacy Services.
I was diagnosed with Transverse Myelitis in 2009, then diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in 2011. The lead up to my diagnosis was a very confusing and frustrating period in my life. I’ve always been very active, enjoying jogging, cycling & kayaking, so it was a difficult time trying to understand how I was going to remain active and best manage my symptoms. I’m very lucky to have fantastic support from family, friends and the medical services in Tayside.
I am keen to support the vision of Neuro Central and helping others with neurological conditions, just knowing you are not alone and being able to talk to others who understand, is a good starting point.
Sheila Doogan
Volunteer
Hi I am Sheila Doogan, I recently retired as a freelance literacies worker and facilitator. In my spare time I enjoy crafting. I have been involved in Neuro Central since the start and am committed to making it a success.
I was diagnosed with MS in 2000, although a shock at first, I have learned to live with it and deal with the challenges that it brings. I have been a drummer with SheBoom women’s drumming band for 23 years and think that drumming is very therapeutic and helps me to stay connected!
I live in Perthshire, where I receive excellent support.
My vision for Neuro Central is to have a place where people can get support, therapies and meet others, who share similar experiences so they don’t have to feel alone when dealing with their condition.
Glenda Douglas
Volunteer
Hi I’m Glenda Douglas. I’m 54 years old and have lived in Dunblane for 25 years. I am married with two grown up children and work as an Administrator for a trade association three days a week. I came to know about Neuro Central through Moira McDonald (Assistant Treasurer) and believe the charity is providing a very worthwhile service to those with neurological conditions. I am keen to help Neuro Central progress and continue to provide the excellent services it currently offers to its members.
Can you help us?
If you have scrolled down to here, you will see that we have trustees and volunteers committed to ensuring the continuation of Neuro Central because we all believe in our key purpose and supporting our aims.
If you share these interests and would like to join us, we’d be delighted to hear from you. You will be working with a dedicated band of volunteers who believe that we play an essential role in providing services to those with a neurological condition. If you’d like more information, please get in touch.