Chair of Trustees – Lizann Lowson 

Lizann has been a Trustee since 2019 and Chair of Trustees since 2020. She has worked in education for over 20 years. Holding various roles, including senior leadership positions, she has always been ignited and driven by inclusion. Her work, at a Bristol based college, developing education and residential provision for young people with Down Syndrome led her to seek volunteer opportunities on her move back to the local area in 2019. Lizann was delighted when she found Downright Special. In her spare time, she enjoys long walks in the countryside, reading and travelling. 
 

Trustee (Treasurer)- Angela Broekhuizen 

Angela has 30 years of experience working in the NHS, initially as a nurse before moving into a number of director roles in the later stages of her career. Angela had a brother with Down syndrome, and having taken early retirement in 2015, she became interested in the work of Downright Special. Angela joined the charity as a Trustee in 2016. 
 
Angela is also a volunteer with Hearing Dogs for the Deaf, enjoys travelling in her campervan and walking her dog Acorn. 
 

Trustee – Gavin Beresford 

Gavin has been a Trustee with Downright Special since 2017. Gavin is a Systems Thinking Lead Consultant, coaching senior leaders in how to understand and improve their organisation as a system. Gavin has spent many years working in change/analysis roles within the public and private sectors, including Banking, Policing, Health and Safety, Telecommunications, and eight years in Adult, Children and Family Services in a Local Authority setting. 
 

Parent Trustee – Michelle Marie 

Michelle is parent of Jaeden who was diagnosed with Down syndrome shortly after birth in 2010 and later diagnosed with autism aged 5. She has navigated the educational, medical and therapy resources for Jaeden both in the U.S. and England. In 2017 the family moved to the UK, and she is amazed at the resources available to Jaeden in this country vs. the U.S. He has been thriving in his special school setting. 
 
Michelle was a trustee on the board of the Down Syndrome Association of Greater Charlotte (NC) for many years and joined Downright Special as a Parent Trustee in 2022. In addition to parenting Jaeden and his brother Tristan, she works as Global Head of Procurement for an international company and hopes to schedule some travel for her and the boys. 
 

Parent Trustee – Neil Findlay 

Neil has been involved with the charity since the birth of his daughter, Anya in 2008. He became more “hands-on” with the charity in 2010 by coordinating social events and being the resident Easter Bunny and Santa Claus. Neil is particularly proud of the “Dad events” that were run and of course the flagship children’s party. 
 
Neil now supports the charity with their IT needs, providing help and guidance on anything technical as well as helping publish on the website. 
 
More recently, Neil has become a trustee of the charity to help guide and support the charity at a strategic level. 

Join Us and Make a Difference 

If you're inspired by our mission and want to contribute to the incredible work we do, we’d love to hear from you! Whether you're interested in volunteering, fundraising, or offering your professional expertise, there are many ways to get involved and help us create brighter futures for children and young people with Down Syndrome. Get in touch today and become a valued part of the Downright Special family. 
Support Us