Meet Our Team

Emma Joy Staines
CEO
Emma grew up in London and relocated after University to Suffolk. She has held numerous leadership roles, at 16 she was invited to join the Global Young Leadership Conference in New York City working with the UN.
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Since then Emma completed a Masters degree at University in Creative Producing and was fast tracked through various roles in the Arts to Senior Management managing a fundraising development campaign in east London both before and after the 2012 Olympics.
Emma became a Networking Supremo in London on the Canary Wharf and City scene securing major connections and managing multiple levels of engagement with contacts to secure working partnerships that benefited all parties. During this time she and her husband, Leigh, looking after their growing family became the priority and so she took the leap into self-employment.
Since doing so Emma has launched an Empowerment Network and founded Steel Bones.
Emma loves spending time with her family, dog walking adventures with her children and hot chocolate with Disney films is always a special treat.
Emma is very passionate about providing amputee families with reliable support.

Gary Hawksworth
Chairman
Gary is married with a daughter and lives near Ipswich. He lost his right leg following a motorcycle accident in 2014 and has been a member of steel bones for a number of years.
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Leigh Joy Staines
Founder, Amputee Experience Volunteer & Trustee
Leigh was born in Lewisham with severe club feet. He underwent many operations and hospital stays at Great Ormond Street & spent most of his childhood with his legs in a cast.
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Leigh has extensive experience as a Painter/Decorator and Printer in the family firm MBA Group along with holding a number of retail roles. Leigh has managed social media, and websites for various businesses and loves computers.
Unfortunately, Leigh lost his leg in 2008 after an operation went quite wrong. It was a massive shock to Leigh and his family. He has had various operations, procedures and prosthetic problems since.
Leigh is passionate about providing amputee families with the support they need to accomplish their goals. He never wants an amputee family to feel alone as his family felt after his amputation. Leigh says ” We must unite as a community as we are the only ones who truly know the daily challenges we endure through this life changing experience.
Leigh lives by his late Father’s motto: “It matters where you come from, but what matters most is where you are going”.

Colin Phelps
Trustee & Family Mentor Volunteer
Colin, born and bred in Kent, became an amputee at birth and has overcome many difficulties in his life. Colin has held various roles in the car industry during his working life and enjoys working as part of a team.
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Colin loves fundraising and recently swam 101 lengths to raise funds for Steel Bones along with organising hugely successful raffles. His family plays an active role in Steel Bones’ life helping other families and organising events like Bingo nights.
Colin recently became Grandad to Baby Neo who he adores spending time with and he is thrilled Liverpool won the Title!

Adam Tilbrook
Vice Chairman
Adam is Suffolk born & bred and with his parents, runs their family Landscape business.
I met Emma & Leigh at business networking events and supported Steel Bones’ inaugural celebration day at RAF Mildenhall.
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Having supported the charity as a finance & HR trustee, Adam was elected Vice Chair at the November 2024 AGM.
Adam is married to Claire, and they have 2 daughters who enjoy family days out.

Linda Barbour
Wellbeing Consultant
Linda is committed to helping Steel Bones members and volunteers work through the toughest of times, transforming chaos into peace. Linda uses her 27+ years of experience, a combination of ground-breaking knowledge and skills.
Practical help is not enough when you have been affected by a change or traumatic event in your life.
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Linda’s results show that working from your strengths, building resources and dealing with emotions that are overwhelming, quickly and safely, are the keys to long term resilience and mental wellbeing.
Described as ‘life changing’, ‘caring’ and ‘gets amazing results’ by her clients, Linda is committed to making changes that last.
A proud mother of two remarkable humans and a besotted horse mum, Linda loves spending time outside in the countryside, renovating her new home and being with family and friends.

Kate Skinner
Trustee
Hi, I am Kate.
I have been aware of Steel Bones and the support they give to civilian amputees for many years. I think my first recollection of Steel Bones was whilst at Addenbrookes disablement services where I saw Steel Bones being advertised.
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I have tried not to allow my disability to rule my life, but I am very aware that at times it can take over every aspect of my life, both physically and mentally.
I have enjoyed attending several celebration days with Steel Bones and have welcomed Steel Bones support when I have needed it.
A bit about me. I’ve been a nurse for nearly 30 years. starting my career in orthopaedics and general surgery. And for the last 21 years, I have been an occupational health specialist nurse, 20 of those within the NHS. Last year, I jumped ship and now work in the private sector, which can be just as stressful and rewarding in equal measures. In my day-to-day role, I support people in the workplace who is health may affect work or whose work may affect their health.
I make recommendations to management in line with the disability criteria for the equality act. I support employees with both physical and mental health needs.
In my other life, I am a wife to Craig, a mum to Ellis, a step mum to Rachel, Tom and Owen, and a Nana to Elsie(6 months old).
I love nothing more than the family round for a big roast dinner.
My other passion is live music, and there is no better band in the world than the levellers!!
I look forward to my new chapter with steel bones as a trustee,

Lauren Mason-McKay
Trustee
I have been working within Housing and enforcement sector for the last 9 years.
I volunteered at a Steel Bones Celebration day and applied to be a Trustee member after my family became involved with the organisation following an amputation.
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Allison Friday & David Richardson
Family Mentors
Allison Friday and David Richardson are husband and wife.
Allison became a Quad amputee in 2020 after contracting Meningococcal septicaemia.
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Allison was hospitalised for over 14 months, much of that during lockdown. This meant face to face contact was extremely limited throughout that time.
It was during that time that David reached out to Steel Bones and their support helped all of the family through such a dreadful episode in their lives.
Allison returned home in March 2021 to continue her rehabilitation with the aid of carers, occupational therapists and physiotherapists. She also joined in with the online Steel Bones Coffee catch ups.
In December 2022, David became Allison’s full time carer and they married in May 2023.
They both love to travel and have continued to do so throughout Allison’s rehabilitation.
They have documented Allison’s rehab journey through an online blog:
http://iomwbh.blogspot.com/2020/11/day-1-16th-of-november-2020.html
They have recently invested in a motorhome and are hoping to publish another journal detailing the challenges and accessibility of travelling in an unadapted vehicle.
Allison has over 30 years experience in Clinical Research and Project Management. David has an extensive background in Process and people management in both Engineering and more recently Aviation. Together, they spend some of their free time as both research participants and disability advocates.
Together they have joined the team of Steel Bones family mentors by way of paying forward the help and support provided to them.

Wendy Bearton
Trustee, Benefits Caseworker Volunteer, Phone Team Lead & Norfolk CoOrdinator
Favourite colour: Purple.
Favourite place: Walking along the beach at Snettisham right up to the estuary.
Favourite job: working at the Citizens Advice Bureau.
Favourite memory: Buying my first Citroen 2CV6 car.
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Strange dislike: Kids party balloons! Proper full on phobia!
Best way to spend a Saturday night: Babysitting my grandsons.

Billie Lawler
Trustee & Honorary Treasurer
Billie got involved with Steel Bones after meeting its founder Emma at a business network meeting.
She offered to be a helping hand at Celebration Day in 2017 and loved every minute.
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“Steel Bones has a family feel to it and the support is given through events, welcome packs, the Bones, family mentors and peer support groups is immense. I am humbled that my daughter and I get to help make it happen! I have seen the charity grow over the years and can only hope this continues year on year” Billie said.
When not helping SB, Billie is Mum to Erin, manages a Community Supermarket for a community centre (the 1st Citizen Supermarket in East Anglia), runs a Hygiene Bank and fundraisers with Rotary. She has worked as a retail manager for several large companies, opening new stores, recruiting and training staff and also managing hostels for homeless people too. She qualified as a holistic therapist at 30 and ran her own business for over 10 years. This is a woman who likes to keep busy!

Alice Mason
Ambassador
Hello! My name is Alice Mason & I am on the development squad for the Paralympics for Team GB rowing. I am also part of Peterborough city rowing club. After losing my left leg below the knee, I had to change the sport I loved.
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I am lucky enough to say I have a full sponsorship from Fesa which is amazing. I love all things sport related & totally live my life to the full.

Rachel Haynes
Volunteer Coordinator & Young Peoples Programme Lead
Hi! I’m Rachel, married to Stephen and we have 4 wonderful children.
One of our daughters was born with Fibular Hemimelia and had an amputation at 1 year of age.
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We have received incredible support, met many amazing people and attended lots of wonderful events.
I am a Relax Kids Coach and I’m also a Piano Teacher.
I love spending quality time with my family and escaping to the Beach.

Melisa Tracy
Admin Support / Social Media
Grew up in Cambridge and moved to Suffolk. I am a huge animal lover.
I have known Emma & Leigh for over 10 years and have supported Steel Bones in the past for their events as I own an Events business.
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I was thrilled to be asked to help with the social media and event promotion.

Vicki Rees
Operations Support & Suffolk Digital Inclusion Support Worker
Vicki lives in Suffolk with her 2 children Oliver and Jack and Mouse the dog. She has had various roles in the past which has set her up with lots of experience dealing with all kinds of situations!
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When Vicki was born it was discovered that she had Amniotic Band Syndrome which meant that she hadn’t developed as she should have. This resulted in her right foot being amputated at 7 months old, her left ankle being fused and her losing some of the tips of fingers on her left hand.
As she has grown up as an amputee Vicki has a fountain of experience and is happy to offer any help and advice to other amputees to make life a little bit easier.
Vicki is a keen singer and can often be found performing in the car with all the passion of a star in the West End, much to her children’s embarrassment! Singing with the local community choir or at events is one of her favourite things to do.
Vicki is thrilled to be working with Steel Bones and have the opportunity to give back to the charity that has supported her and her family so much.

Nick
Trustee
Nick is a retired engineer, and lives just outside Ipswich. He became involved in Steel Bones when he was approached by the current chairman, Gary, who is a friend and former colleague. Gary felt that some of Nick’s skills and expertise could be used to help the charity develop.
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Nick hopes that he can really make a positive difference to the wonderful work that Steel Bones does for amputees and their families.
Nick is a retired Chartered Engineer, with 40 years’ experience in the electronics and telecommunications industry, mainly in BT Research &Development. He finished his career in BT as head of research partnerships and responsible for the long-term strategy of Adastral Park, home of the BT Laboratories. Through this he developed skills in negotiating long term partnerships, creating commercial agreements, and setting strategies across multiple stakeholders.
Nick is married, with a family of grown-up children and step-children, of whom he is immensely proud. He has many interests, including sailing, aviation, hill walking, and classic cars.
Nick has also undertaken voluntary work; for a national children’s charity of which his wife is a Trustee, and as a School Governor for a high school in Ipswich.
Nick hopes that he can apply the skills and knowledge that he has gained to help build on the success of Steel Bones, and support it to develop and grow.

Steel Bones Champions
We have a team of volunteers who have completed our Induction program and help with all aspects of Steel Bones life.
They include:
Gary Pizzey, Linda Barbour, Andy Parker, Paul Sutton, Diane Gaskin & Maxine Osbourne.
David Wiseman, Allison Friday, David Richardson, Philip Pierpoint, Naomi Thurbon, Forbes Mutch & Jack Saunders.
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We also have Young Volunteers who are a fantastic help:
Charlie, Erin, Tess, Oliver, Jack, Daniel, Levi, Kiera, Nieve, Honey, Daisy, Teddy and Sally

Lindsay Fullarton
Careers Guidance Volunteer
Hello, I’m Lindsay, a professional CV Writer and full-time Mum of 2 based in Essex. Nancy and Teddy Jac are my inspiration for most things in life, along with my husband Dan.
I have a strong background within HR and Recruitment across various sectors, and since 2020, have been supporting clients through Lindsay Suzanne CV Writing.
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I get a real buzz from using my skills to highlight client potential and giving people the confidence to secure a new role. Along with writing impactful CVs, I also provide guidance and support on LinkedIn optimisation, job search strategy, and interview preparation. I’m so pleased to have the opportunity to support the amputee community and show them how to shine in their career.

Tony McBride
Careers Guidance Volunteer
I’m a Belfast based late 30s dog dad of a French Bulldog called Bowser who loves nothing more than time with him and time with my husband and family.
To facilitate that lifestyle, I’m a Career Navigation Specialist whose mission this year is to support people to reach their career goals through Career Coaching, CV Coaching and Interview Coaching.
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I signed up to support Steel Bones as my mother is an amputee who gave up work when she had her incident over 40 years ago. I know she would have loved to have received help and support to do things differently so I’m here to help those who find themselves struggling with being an amputee and navigating their careers.

Hana Dhillon
Finance Officer
Hi, I’m Hana, and I look after the finances here at Steel Bones. I ensure everything adds up so we can continue supporting our amazing community. When I’m not crunching numbers, you’ll find me rock climbing, tending to my garden, or getting lost in a good book. I’m also a proud mum to two wonderful daughters who keep me on my toes.
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Mandie Smith
Computer Scene
Computer Scene is a family run business providing Bespoke Software and WordPress Website Design.
Steel Bones gave us a design of how they wanted their website to look and we developed a website exactly to their specification. We also maintain it on their behalf. To help the charity, we do all this free of charge.
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Kevin Smith
Computer Scene
Computer Scene is a family run business providing Bespoke Software and WordPress Website Design.
Steel Bones gave us a design of how they wanted their website to look and we developed a website exactly to their specification. We also maintain it on their behalf. To help the charity, we do all this free of charge.
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Telephone
03333 606930
Address
c/o The Beeches
32 Mill Street
Isleham
Cambs CB7 5RY
hello@steelbone.co.uk
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please ring the team on 03333 606930