Michael’s desire is to work with people who make a real difference in our world. Prior to joining HOPE worldwide UK in January 2020, he worked as Head of Finance for a Trade Association representing over 70,000 members. Michael is married, a father of three adult children and an ACCA qualified accountant with over 24 years’ experience.
He and his wife Joanne love working with young people at their local church. Michael is an avid Liverpool football fan, enjoys most sports, and in 2019 trekked to Everest Base Camp.
Rob manages our “Two Step” service, which helps people who are homeless to find suitable housing. He joined the staff of HOPE worldwide UK in 2014 after serving for many years as a volunteer host for our Two Step “Stopover” programme. Rob has a master’s degree in mechanical engineering from Imperial College London, and previously worked as a Physics Teacher and in church ministry. He enjoys developing new approaches and effective partnerships to help improve our services, and spending time in the great outdoors with his young family.
A native of Cape Town, South Africa, Martin Saurma-Jeltsch has used his extensive background in business and accountancy to help various HOPE worldwide programmes around the world. After completing a business degree and post graduate studies in accounting at the University of Cape Town, he moved to Johannesburg in 1997 to work for HOPE worldwide. In Johannesburg, he spent seven years building and managing financial infrastructure to help the development of HIV/AIDS support groups and wide scale prevention programs across Africa.
In 2004 Martin moved to the UK and after working for two years at an SME in the private sector, he returned to development work by joining the Centre for Engineering and Manufacturing Excellence. In 2013 he joined Open Society Foundations as the London Finance and Operations Director and has enjoyed working there ever since. Martin became an advisory board member for HOPE worldwide UK in 2017 and a trustee in 2021.
Martin has been married since 1994, enjoys mountain biking with his two sons, and is a self-professed ‘Bible nerd’.
David Kaner has been a key figure at HOPE worldwide UK since its early days, serving as one of its first Trustees (and Chairman) in 1995. After stepping down from the Board in 2021, he remained actively involved in supporting the organisation’s UK and international programmes. In 2025, David rejoined the Board, continuing his commitment to the charity’s mission.
A native of York, David started his career with Procter & Gamble, working in Newcastle, Brussels, and London. He later became the UK Supply Chain Director at Danone Waters before transitioning into freelance consulting and lecturing at the EDHEC Business School in Lille.
Now semi-retired, David volunteers for several organisations, and lives in Central London with his wife, daughter, and Pip the dog. In his free time, he enjoys theatre and cooking.
Rachael Twumasi-Corson is an entrepreneur, consultant, and public speaker with over 15 years of leadership experience. While studying Law at the University of Birmingham, she co-founded Afrocenchix, a pioneering natural haircare brand. She later earned an MSc in Medical Anthropology from UCL, including a term at Cambridge. Under her leadership, Afrocenchix scaled internationally and secured over $2 million in investment, as she won awards such as the WeWork Global Creator Award and KPMG Black Entrepreneur Award. Rachael exited the company in 2023.
Passionate about ethics and sustainability, Rachael mentors entrepreneurs and delivers keynote talks for organisations such as Google, Jaguar, Meta, and HSBC. She is Vice Chair of British Mensa, a trustee of Stage One, and actively volunteers with refugees, new mothers, and those experiencing homelessness, in addition to her professional work.
Rachael lives in London with her husband and four children, and in her downtime, she enjoys hockey, karate, baking, painting, and writing fiction.
Ian Correa brings over 30 years of experience in non-profit development, fundraising, and strategic partnerships to his role as trustee. He has secured and nurtured multimillion-dollar partnerships with some of the world’s biggest brands, including Microsoft, Barclays, SONY and more, has a wealth of experience in cultivating relationships with donors, and has expanded organisational impact across diverse sectors, including education, vocational training, medical care, humanitarian relief, and agriculture. Before joining HOPE worldwide UK, he was the CEO of the HOPE foundation in India, where he oversaw successful programmes in education, healthcare for those suffering from the effects of leprosy, and caring for orphaned and lost children. As a dynamic leader, he is committed to fostering collaboration and driving the organisation’s international efforts forward.
When he isn’t working, Ian likes to be with his family, play Ultimate Frisbee, read, and watch theatre.
Simon is a dynamic communications professional with a wealth of experience spanning journalism, corporate communications, and public relations. As the founder of SE Consulting, a PR and media consultancy, and an associate partner at Walk Through Walls, a business growth agency in Birmingham, Simon brings strategic insight and creative solutions to his clients. He is also the editor of West Midlands News.
Simon’s career began in journalism, working for outlets including the Press Association news wire, before transitioning into corporate communications roles at Thames Water, Heathrow Airport, Network Rail, and Birmingham Airport.
A resident of Solihull in the West Midlands, Simon enjoys life with his wife Becky, their two sons Jake and Max, and Paulie the cat. Since he hung up his rugby boots a few years ago, Simon now channels his competitive spirit into road cycling.
Alex Cameron started volunteering for HOPE worldwide at the age of 16, participating in fundraising efforts as well as joining the HOPE worldwide Volunteer Corps on various projects to work with kids in schools and teaching those from vulnerable backgrounds. In the UK he has spent time volunteering with the elderly and those experiencing homelessness, while also fundraising for Two Step.
He joined HOPE worldwide UK as a trustee in autumn 2020, eager to use his experience as a volunteer to further the goals of the organisation.
Alex studied Economics at King’s College London, and after graduating in 2020 he worked in software. He is currently working for a financial software company in London, where he enjoys the intersection of finance and technology.
When he isn’t working, Alex loves listening to music, watching films, playing sports, and cooking delicious food, in addition to adding to his CD and DVD collection.
Known for his desire to serve and support others, Dennis’ journey with HOPE worldwide began in 2012 with helping his local church to organise volunteers for HOPE worldwide-related projects in the community. In 2017, Dennis expanded his volunteering role with HOPE worldwide through becoming a part of the Administration and Governance Advisory Group. In 2020 his involvement in the organisation increased as he took on the role of a trustee, using his experience in Equality, Diversity and Inclusion as an independent consultant and coach to support the work being done to further develop the commitment of the organisation to this key area.
With a MSc in Public Sector Management and a BA Hons in Public Administration, Dennis has enjoyed a successful career in human resources, having occupied several managerial positions over the last 35 years in various public and voluntary sector organisations.
Dennis balances the demands of his career by cooking (including baking) and keeping fit either in the gym or with regular walks with friends and family.
His goal is to work with like-minded individuals to help HOPE worldwide UK to continue to grow in the commitment to add value to the lives of those they serve.
Ama Mathurin is a children’s social care solicitor with a heart for justice and a passion for change. She has dedicated her career to protecting and advocating for vulnerable young people, ensuring they have the support they need to thrive. Beyond the courtroom, Ama actively engages in charitable initiatives, from fundraising walks to helping the homeless. She is committed to serving others, uplifting communities, and creating opportunities for the next generation. A devoted wife and mother, she is driven by faith, compassion, and the belief that every child deserves a bright future.
Nicola Brady brings a wealth of professional expertise and community-focused passion to HOPE worldwide UK. Professionally, Nicola is a chartered surveyor with extensive experience overseeing planned works projects across the UK, showcasing her ability to navigate complex projects and deliver impactful results.
Nicola is committed to addressing issues of food insecurity and homelessness, believing that everyone has the right to enough food to eat and a safe place to live. She serves on the board of trustees for a local foodbank that supports her community and volunteers with Bethany Christian Trust, a charity that provides food and clothing to individuals experiencing homelessness in Edinburgh.
As a trustee of HOPE worldwide UK, Nicola is eager to contribute her professional skills and compassionate perspective to advance the charity’s mission. Outside of her professional and volunteer work, she enjoys nurturing her Christian faith, spending time with her grown-up children, Jonah and Ella, as well as pursuing hobbies like listening to live music, running, and savouring quality coffee.
Samantha Sokoya is the Head of Programmes at Book Aid International, leading the development of interventions that increase access to reading by children and young people. Known as “Sam”, she has a degree in Social Science and trained as a social worker before emigrating to Zambia. She has 24 years of experience implementing education, arts and governance programmes for the British Council Zambia and was the Country Director at Room to Read Zambia.
Sam connected with HOPE worldwide in Zambia and volunteered as the chairperson and treasurer. After returning to the United Kingdom in 2015, she continued her journey with HOPE worldwide by pursuing a trustee role here in the UK. She loves travel, African modern art, and organising events that help people connect.
Samantha has a husband named Ola, four children and a cat called Sim.
