Introducing our new trustees

We are delighted to announce two new trustees, Gill Ashington and Dawn Horne, marking our first appointments to the board by people living with dementia. Both Gill and Dawn have taken part in Bright Shadow’s projects, and are inspiring self-advocates.

We are proud to have an inclusive board, which includes people living with dementia and who have lived experience of caring for those with dementia.

Read on to hear more about Gill and Dawn as they sat down with us for a chat about life as a trustee so far:

If you could describe yourself in 3 words, what would they be?

Gill: Rebellious, compassionate and caring.

Dawn: Strong, happy and positive.

How did you first get involved in the work of Bright Shadow?

Gill: I went along to a Zest group, and then took part in Zest at Home sessions after Clare shared information about it at a Sunshiners meeting online. Those sessions led to me having my own photography exhibition at the Beaney in 2023.

Dawn: I found out through the Forget-me-nots, one of the students told me Bright Shadow was running Picture This. Doing that turned my life around as it was only a few weeks after I was diagnosed. I was feeling like life hadn’t got much to offer but I loved it. It meant I could do new things. I then decided that I’d always say yes to different opportunities. I think you’ve got to give it a go. I still show people the book of the beautiful pictures we had taken. 

What are your hobbies/interests?

Gill: I love music and play the guitar. I also enjoy photography and animals. I’ve got four dogs.

Dawn: I’ve always enjoyed sewing. I quilt, I do embroidery and I knit and I crochet. I help run a computer club. It’s called Coffee, Cakes and Computers. I read a lot and have enjoyed gardening. 

If you could describe Bright Shadow in 3 words, what would they be?

Gill: Inclusive, communicative and joyful

Dawn: Inspirational, friendly and positive.

What made you want to be more involved in Bright Shadow as a trustee?

Gill: I think any organisation/project/charity needs to have people like myself on board where the decisions are made. You can’t have something about us, without us. I also believe it gives hope to other people, that you’re not finished and that people are interested in what you’ve got to say.

Dawn: I really strongly believe in what Bright Shadow is doing. They helped me so much and I’m quite sure they’ve helped a lot of people. I talk to people about it and say how great it is. 

What are your main interests or passions that you will be focusing on as a trustee?

Gill: Accessibility, ensuring people have a voice and trying to break down barriers for people living with dementia. 

Dawn: I’ve never been a trustee before but I think fundraising will be right up my street. I really want to be involved to the best of my abilities.

How are you finding being a trustee from an access point of view? How is Bright Shadow supporting you into your new role?

Gill: It’s early days because it’s a new thing so I’m very happy to be included. Bright Shadow have supported me in communicating about the new role and I’m looking forward to seeing how it will evolve. 

Dawn: I’ve had no problem accessing the things I’ve done. Whenever I’ve done something, there’s always been feedback asking how it was for me and anything they could have done to make it easier. I’ve been able to say that nothing needed to be changed but I feel comfortable enough with the people at Bright Shadow that I could say if there was anything they could change.

What are your ambitions for Bright Shadow? Where would you like the organisation to be in 5 years time?

Gill: I would like to change the general population’s perception of people living with dementia. I would also like to see health and social care, and government and local government, look at other things that are helping in our local communities and invest in what Bright Shadow is doing. Not enough people are being helped or seen, and by investing in good organisations like Bright Shadow, people with dementia will be supported to live well. 

Dawn: There’s so much enthusiasm and plans, I would like us to be able to spread our wings a bit and do things in new places.

 What are the biggest challenges that you think Bright Shadow faces? 

Gill: Changing the general population’s perception of people living with dementia and continuing to raise essential funds to keep the work going and developing as we have the capacity, value and ability to do more. 

Dawn: I think the biggest challenge is funding; what Bright Shadow does is good and we want to keep those high standards. 

What difference has becoming a trustee made to your life? 

Gill: It’s still early days but it is perhaps an opportunity for me to give a bit back and to try and give people a voice, that’s what I would hope.

Dawn: The chance to be involved really keeps me going and helps with my dementia and gives me an opportunity to make a difference, which gives me the confidence to say yes to things that I never ever thought I would.