Our Trustees

We are a small charity with a Trustee Board comprising 4 members. Our members have a love of Goa and have regularly visited the State over many years. We have seen first-hand the many difficulties disadvantaged children face and are passionate about improving opportunities to help them enjoy a healthy educated childhood. As trustees we are committed to doing our best to use our supporters’ money effectively to achieve the best outcomes possible on the ground in Goa whilst consistently maintaining a high standard of stewardship, good governance and compliance with UK Charity Law. You can read more about our overriding values and beliefs here and a little about each of our trustee’s backgrounds below.

Jane Grimshaw

(Founder and Chair)

South Yorkshire based Jane Grimshaw has a vast amount of experience in public sector financial management, corporate governance and performance management. Before retiring in 2008 Jane was Head of Finance and Corporate Administration with South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service. On a voluntary basis Jane undertakes much of the Charity’s administration and when first making contact with Mango Tree it’s very likely that it will be Jane that will answer you.

Gill Abdy

We are pleased to introduce Gill Abdy who became a trustee for Mango Tree in April 2021. She may well be a familiar face to many, given that she and her husband, Richard, have been tireless fundraisers for the charity over several years, both from their home in France and in Goa. Gill has been a passionate advocate for Mango Tree and is a very welcome addition to our Board. We look forward to working with her in the coming years.

Alison McPhee

Alison lives in Glasgow. Originally a keen Mango Tree supporter and fundraiser Alison works within quality control and compliance for a large telecommunications company. She has been a volunteer for St Andrew’s Ambulance for over 20 years including spending time as Deputy Commandant.

Annette Grace

South Yorkshire based Annette Grace was a founder member of our Board. She stepped down in 2014 and rejoined the Board in June 2019. Before retirement Annette worked within Children’s Services for many years. Her experience and knowledge helped to ensure that Child Protection was paramount within Mango Tree from the outset.