RST is reliant on many people and below are just a few of the ‘key’ team members. We pride ourselves on having professional people helping to ensure the trust is run to a very high standard. We are also keen to point out that everyone associated with the trust volunteers their time and is in some way connected emotionally to Marrianne and/or the cause. With very little overheads, we are able to ensure that all money raised really makes a difference.
Marrianne studied business and finance before starting her career in the management office of The Queensgate Shopping Centre in Peterborough. Later she was lured by the sandy beaches down under and spent three years living and working in Australia.Once back in the UK, Marrianne worked in recruitment before becoming a hospitality manager in a company started with her partner Andy. Sadly, Marrianne’s career was cut short after her accident in 2004. Her focus is now driven by her quest for progress and the desire to help others.
After studying sports management, Andrew completed a basketball coaching scholarship with a National League coach and was recognised as one of the top young coaches in the country. Leading to a career in developing sport at grass roots level, Andrew later became a director for a sporting organisation overseeing academies for local councils, schools and privately owned clubs. After time spent in Australia, Andrew returned to the UK to set up a new sporting organisation.
Andrew has an active day to day roll in the trust and also crosses over his sporting skills to co-ordinate Marrianne’s recovery programmes. Inspired by trips to America and Europe, Andrew is very open minded in ways to help people with SCI progress and has regular dialog with some of the leading figures in the spinal world.
After helping to design Marrianne’s own living space, Andrew has been approached to work alongside a leading access architect from the London paralympics to help design therapeutic and inspiring living spaces for others with SCI.
As the long term partner of Marrianne Rooprai and after being by her side every day for the 7 months Marrianne spent in the spinal unit, Andrew has witnessed first-hand the devastation a spinal injury can bring. He is also fully aware of the progress that can be made through hard work and belief, something he is keen to share with others – ‘Keep an open mind’.
Since handling the formation of the Charity back in 2005, Sharon has been our Office/Admin Manager. Having been a PA for her 20 year working career to date, Sharon is excellently equipped for her role within RST and has been heavily involved in the organisation of many of our fund raising projects – from behind the scene planning, to actively attending numerous events.
Kevin works for a large London Borough currently leading on the management of the 2012 Olympics. In addition Kevin is responsible for all parks, sports, leisure facilities, play, contract monitoring, grounds maintenance and events within his borough. With over 20 years experience in the leisure industry, Kevin is passionate about raising the profile of RST and is driven by making a difference for others.
Kevin has been a Trustee since RST formed and has helped to raise monies for the charity by organising events and bringing people together in the best interests of the charity. He was the first person to raise monies for the RST by shaving his head and has set the example for many others to follow.
A patron = One who supports / champions a cause or person which one has an affiliation or particular closeness to - Zia was the perfect choice to receive an invite from RST to become our first patron.
A successful business women, working on projects for world famous brands such as Tesco, John Lewis, B&Q, Virgin Media and Virgin Atlantic , Zia is now at the cutting edge of London’s e-commerce fashion World. With a senior roll for one of London’s iconic department stores, Zia is perfectly placed to help raise the profile of RST.
Best friends with Marrianne’s since the age of 3, Zia was delighted to accept our invitation and more than happy to donate some time to a cause close to her heart. ‘Marrianne and I have been close friends since we were little, often being mistaken for sisters. She has always made me laugh, cry and everything in between but most importantly she is a massive inspiration. The Rooprai Spinal Trust is a hugely important organisation and I’m honoured to help in anyway I can.”
