Terry Westwood:  Founder, Treasurer and Trustee

Terry hails from East Yorkshire. She qualified at the East Riding College of Agriculture, spending her early working life in farming, then moving into dairy production. Terry married and raised a family, but still became involved in voluntary work, which included the Samaritans.

Terry has always had links with Kenya, as her sister lives and worked there. When the charity was formed in 2009, Terry was on the founding committee and appointed as a Trustee. She has made several visits to Nyansakia and stays within the local community. She has organised several campaigns, one being supporting the dignity of local women Kenya by providing valuable underwear.

Martin McKenna: Secretary and Trustee

After his university days, a long and varied career followed, which started at the Medical Research Council, and included working in sensitive areas of MOD supply and in conflict zones. This gave him the sensitivity to deal with different social norms and local customs.

Martin has travelled extensively throughout Europe and North Africa. Since his retirement from the ONS, he has visited Kenya on many occasions to audit the progress of the Charities work, staying with local families. 

He has many associates and friends in Kenya, included in their number, people who did the British land hand over after Independence. This has proved invaluable.

Julie Fry:  Founder Trustee Chairperson

Julie’s professional career began in Stoke-on-Trent before then moving southerly, gaining diverse roles in children, youth and family services across many different counties.

Julie’s life experiences coupled with a passion to support vulnerable people took her into the voluntary sector working within local communities as well as charities abroad, appreciating we all need that helping hand in times of struggle.

Friends of Nyansakia grew from the seeds of a mutual wish to “strive for a brighter future”