Trustees
Jim Mason - Chairman
Originally from Glasgow, I have now been living in Llandudno in North Wales for the past twenty years and enjoying access to the sea and hills. I am married to Sarat and we have two grown-up daughters, now both flown the nest. I have recently retired from my job as a veterinary surgeon, helping to run a mobile clinic for the RSPCA across North Wales. I am a member of Gloddaeth Church, a Presbyterian church in Llandudno.
I have been interested in and supportive of the work in Uganda, initially through PCM and now through CHU, since I first became aware of it over ten years ago. I was able to visit Uganda in 2017 and again in 2024. This further enhanced my awareness of the needs there as well as deepened my commitment to the people. I have become more actively involved and really appreciate being part of the team that has been built up around Nigel to continue the work that he and Marian together so ably began and faithfully served.
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Nigel Whitaker - Assistant Treasurer
Marian (my late wife) and I had the opportunity to take a team to Uganda in 2009. This was an outcome of our daughter making initial contact through a visit to Uganda in 2007. We then led another team in 2010 after which we felt that this should develop into a lasting relationship and commitment. That was when PCM UK was born under the umbrella of our local church.
After Marian’s death in 2018 I was greatly supported by a group of committed people in continuing the ministry in the UK. Subsequently we faced many challenges which led to the formation of an independent charity, Christian Hope Uganda (UK). I continue to play a part in the charity. I spent 17 years of my earlier life, serving as a missionary with Operation Mobilisation and am delighted to be able to continue having a role in building the Kingdom of God in a cross cultural setting.
Denise Picton - Secretary
My name is Denise Picton. I’m married to Mike, have 2 grown up children and 2 grandchildren. Family is always important to me and spending as much time as I can with the ones I love is essential. My hobbies include walking my 2 gorgeous dogs, cooking and hospitality, reading, gardening, and learning to paint. I also love being with God's family and relationships are important to me. Being part of an active church is essential.
I am currently a Trustee and Secretary for Christian Hope Uganda UK and it’s been a privilege working as part of a team establishing this newly formed charity. I first became aware of the school’s work in 2007 and had an opportunity to make my 1st of 3 visits to Uganda in 2009. Being part of a team of 10 was a privilege. To see God at work in and through his people - the enthusiasm of the children - their appreciation of education - the dedication and sacrifice of the teachers.
I have remained involved in the work over the years to a greater and lesser extent. Just over 2 years ago the work went through a re-organisation, the result being the establishing of a new charity and name (formerly Parental Care ministries). I’m looking forward to seeing what God is going to do in growing this essential work.
My involvement with CHU began when my daughter made a visit to Uganda with Signpost International in 2006! As a family we had continuing contact that led to me visiting the work of Parental Care Ministries in 2014 and 2018. During these two visits I saw at first hand, not only the tremendous needs in Uganda but also saw how support from this country can make a massive difference. My wish to see this work continue in a sustainable manner has led me to become involved with CHU as a trustee of the charity.
I made a commitment of faith in 1976 as a final year medical student. Since qualifying I have lived in Mansfield (Nottinghamshire), and I retired from general practice in 2020. I am a member of St John’s with St Mary’s C of E church for which I am one of the church wardens, and thus trustee.
Peter Frith - Safeguarding officer
Peter Dutton - Treasurer
During my working life I have had experience in finance and general management with my last job for the 25 years before retirement in 2016 being the Practice Manager of Kinmel Bay Medical Centre. By way of sporting interest I’ve always enjoyed football and thought my footballing days were over until I rediscovered this game in the form of Walking Football and became a member of Prestatyn Walking Football Club. I am a member of Princes Drive Baptist Church in Colwyn Bay where I have served as a deacon and trustee. I am also a trustee of the charity C4E (Christians For Education). Since becoming a Christian at the age of 19 whilst at university, I have sought to share my faith through various means with children and youth which continues within the church setting and through Youth for Christ in Colwyn Bay. My connection with the work in Uganda began in 2012 when I first visited the schools currently supported by CHU (UK) and now feel privileged to serve as a trustee of this charity.
Josephine Smith
I was born and raised in Kampala Uganda with a background in counselling, guidance, and additional learning needs support. I hold a diploma in Counselling and Guidance and currently work as an ALN Teaching Assistant. I was raised in a Christian home, my faith has been central throughout my life. After college i joined Watoto Pentecostal Church in Kampala, serving in the children’s ministry as a support worker and camp facilitator for six years before moving to the Middle East. I later relocated to the United Kingdom four years ago and i am now am active member of Emmanuel Church, Llandudno. I am passionate about community work, networking, volunteering,helping children in need.
Remembering Marion Dutton
Marion was a founder trustee of Christian Hope Uganda. She had supported the work for a good number of years before her death. We have decided to remember her here on the trustees list as she contributed so much to the work with her beautiful, gentle, no-nonsense character.
Marian was a founder member of Parental Care Ministries - the forerunner of Christian Hope Uganda. As Nigel's wife of many years she was there in 2009 at the very first visit. Her incredible energy and enthusiasm marked all she did. She visited Uganda on many of the early visits, being instrumental in thinking of new ways to help the children. Over the years all three of her children have visited and supported the work. We remember her here with love and thankfulness.