Trustees
East Cheshire Eye Society, is an independent charity that solely relies on funding to support all of its activities. The charity is run by a board of voluntary trustees, some of whom have a sight impairment themselves.
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Martin Welch – Treasurer
I have been Treasurer and Trustee of the Society since 1997. I was aware of the charity’s existence as my mother, Ren, had been on the Committee for many years helping at events and with transport.
My own eyesight is generally very good, but I have needed to have cataracts removed from both eyes. I believe losing sight quality is extremely traumatic for us, and anything our society can do to improve things for those who are experiencing this affliction is of tremendous value to them.
I was born in Rainow in 1937, and on leaving school, I began work at Euston for the civil engineering department of British Rail, obtaining a degree and becoming a Chartered Civil Engineer.
I became a trustee, and eventually Chairman, of a charitable housing association during the course of over 40 years in London. Whilst working in Manchester, I was elected onto the Committee of the North West Association of the Institution of Civil Engineers, serving for many years, and for my allocated year as Chairman. I also served a term on the Institution’s National Transport Board.
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Colin Turner – Governance
I was educated at William Hulme’s Grammar School Manchester and Leeds University where I graduated in 1961 as a Bachelor of Laws. I became a solicitor in 1966 and I worked at the Magistrates’ Courts Service throughout my career.
Following a move to Macclesfield in 1973, I was appointed as Clerk to the Justices for the Borough. After service as a legal adviser to several other courts in Cheshire, I retired in 2001 as Chief Executive to Magistrates’ Courts in the County. In my spare time I enjoy hill walking and reading.
I have been a Trustee since 2002, and I am also Chairman of the Macclesfield Talking Newspaper, which although a separate charity, is supported by, and works closely with, the Eye Society.
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Pam Hodgkiss – Trustee
Originally from Bolton I moved to Macclesfield in 1999 and retired from the NHS in 2015 after working as a physiotherapist for 34 years.
As someone with a long-standing sight problem I became group leader of the Macclesfield Macular Support group in 2013.
During my career I spent much of my time reinforcing the importance of someone with a disability staying independent not just at home, but also at work and in social situations.
Consequently, on retirement, I became a volunteer at East Cheshire Eye Society, both in the resource centre and in the eye clinic at Macclesfield District General Hospital. I provide information and support regarding services and resources available for someone with sight problems, along with their relatives and carers.
I became a Trustee for the society in September 2015 and I also continue to fulfil my role as a volunteer.
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Liz Durham – Trustee
I am an adopted Maxonian, having moved up here in 1988, from Oxford, where my husband, Richard, and I worked in Banking.
My two children attended local schools, which I must point out were far superior, at the time, to those in Oxfordshire, so when the opportunity came to return down south, we declined as we had been made very welcome here, and the children were settled.
I then worked for over 30 years, at our wonderful local hospital, firstly in records and reception, and then, inevitably, in finance. I fully retired, at the age of 70, after latterly enjoying working in Clinical audit, which I think played to my strengths for investigation, detail and record keeping.
I became a Councillor in 2015, and was honoured to have been elected as Macclesfield Town Council’s first Mayor.
My inaugural, official engagement, was the Eye Society’s ‘Vision Day’, and I was made so welcome and reassured that I have had a special connection with them ever since.
I became a Trustee in 2019, and am happy to endorse their ideals and help in any way I can.
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Cat Costigan - Trustee
I have lived in Macclesfield since 1999, where we bought our first home. My children have grown up in Macclesfield, attending Whirley Primary and then Fallibroome Academy.
My interest in East Cheshire Eye Society is linked to my eldest son suffering sudden eyesight loss when he was eight years old (he’s now 22) and we were offered support by the society.
I recently joined as a trustee as I am keen to use the skills from my professional roles in both finance and HR leadership to benefit the society, as well as raise the profile of the impact of sight loss on young people in our community.
Your Title Goes Here
John Mills – Trustee
I was born with optic atrophy, a neurological eye condition that has significantly affected my vision, including colour and night vision, throughout my life.
After studying Biological Sciences at Birmingham University and completing a DPhil in Molecular Biology at Oxford University, I spent 35 years working in global pharma and biotech. During my career, I was involved in projects that led to treatments for HIV/AIDS, as well as breast, ovarian and prostate cancer.
Since retiring, I’ve been actively involved with East Cheshire Eye Society, initially supporting visually impaired people playing Crown Green Bowls. I later took on the role of lead volunteer for the Macclesfield Support Group and worked with others to establish a new group, ECES Men in Sight.
As a Trustee, I continue my volunteer work while using my skills to support the charity’s sustainability and future direction, helping those in our community with visual impairments.
Your Title Goes Here
Martin Welch – Treasurer
I have been Treasurer and Trustee of the Society since 1997. I was aware of the charity’s existence as my mother, Ren, had been on the Committee for many years helping at events and with transport.
My own eyesight is generally very good, but I have needed to have cataracts removed from both eyes. I believe losing sight quality is extremely traumatic for us, and anything our society can do to improve things for those who are experiencing this affliction is of tremendous value to them.
I was born in Rainow in 1937, and on leaving school, I began work at Euston for the civil engineering department of British Rail, obtaining a degree and becoming a Chartered Civil Engineer.
I became a trustee, and eventually Chairman, of a charitable housing association during the course of over 40 years in London. Whilst working in Manchester, I was elected onto the Committee of the North West Association of the Institution of Civil Engineers, serving for many years, and for my allocated year as Chairman. I also served a term on the Institution’s national Transport Board.
Your Title Goes Here
Colin Turner – Governance
I was educated at William Hulme’s Grammar School Manchester and Leeds University where I graduated in 1961 as a Bachelor of Laws. I became a solicitor in 1966 and I worked at the Magistrates’ Courts Service throughout my career.
Following a move to Macclesfield in 1973, I was appointed as Clerk to the Justices for the Borough. After service as a legal adviser to several other courts in Cheshire, I retired in 2001 as Chief Executive to Magistrates’ Courts in the County. In my spare time I enjoy hill walking and reading.
I have been a Trustee since 2002, and I am also Chairman of the Macclesfield Talking Newspaper, which although a separate charity, is supported by, and works closely with, the Eye Society.
Your Title Goes Here
Pam Hodgkiss – Trustee
Originally from Bolton I moved to Macclesfield in 1999 and retired from the NHS in 2015 after working as a physiotherapist for 34 years.
As someone with a long-standing sight problem I became group leader of the Macclesfield Macular Support group in 2013.
During my career I spent much of my time reinforcing the importance of someone with a disability staying independent not just at home, but also at work and in social situations.
Consequently, on retirement, I became a volunteer at East Cheshire Eye Society, both in the resource centre and in the eye clinic at Macclesfield District General hospital. I provide information and support regarding services and resources available for someone with sight problems, along with their relatives and carers.
I became a Trustee for the society in September 2015 and I also continue to fulfil my role as a volunteer.
Your Title Goes Here
Liz Durham – Trustee
I am an adopted Maxonian, having moved up here in 1988, from Oxford, where my husband, Richard, and I worked in Banking.
My two children attended local schools, which I must point out were far superior, at the time, to those in Oxfordshire , so when the opportunity came to return down south, we declined as we had been made very welcome here, and the children were settled.
I then worked for over 30 years, at our wonderful local hospital, firstly in records and reception, and then, inevitably, in finance. I fully retired, at the age of 70, after latterly enjoying working in Clinical audit, which I think played to my strengths for investigation, detail and record keeping.
I became a Councillor in 2015, and was honoured to have been elected as Macclesfield Town Council’s first Mayor.
My inaugural, official engagement, was the Eye Society’s ‘Vision Day’, and I was made so welcome and reassured that I have had a special connection with them ever since.
I became a Trustee in 2019, and am happy to endorse their ideals and help in any way I can.
Your Title Goes Here
Cat Costigan – Trustee
I have lived in Macclesfield since 1999, where we bought our first home. My children have grown up in Macclesfield, attending Whirley Primary and then Fallibroome Academy.
My interest in East Cheshire Eye Society is linked to my eldest son suffering sudden eyesight loss when he was eight years old (he’s now 22) and we were offered support by the society.
I recently joined as a trustee as I am keen to use the skills from my professional roles in both finance and HR leadership to benefit the society, as well as raise the profile of the impact of sight loss on young people in our community.
Your Title Goes Here
John Mills – Trustee
I was born with optic atrophy, a neurological eye condition that has significantly affected my vision, including colour and night vision, throughout my life.
After studying Biological Sciences at Birmingham University and completing a DPhil in Molecular Biology at Oxford University, I spent 35 years working in global pharma and biotech. During my career, I was involved in projects that led to treatments for HIV/AIDS, as well as breast, ovarian and prostate cancer.
Since retiring, I’ve been actively involved with East Cheshire Eye Society, initially supporting visually impaired people playing Crown Green Bowls. I later took on the role of lead volunteer for the Macclesfield Support Group and worked with others to establish a new group, ECES Men in Sight.
As a Trustee, I continue my volunteer work while using my skills to support the charity’s sustainability and future direction, helping those in our community with visual impairments.
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