Janine Platt: Chair 

My husband Chris and I have been a part of Hands Up For Down's since its inception when our son Jaxon was born in 2012. Since then we and our four sons have been active members of the group. I took on the role of Chair and Trustee in 2019.

Samantha Fisher: Treasurer 

​My husband Greg and I were early members of Hands up for Down’s following the birth of our son Eli in 2012 when it was set up as a formal support group in 2014 by a number of parents. I have been the Treasurer of Hands up for Down’s since its inception and worked to gain charity status in November 2016 and become a Trustee.

Lara Smrtnik: Secretary 

​My family and I joined Hands Up For Down’s in 2015 when our daughter, Leia, was born with Down’s Syndrome. Having received such wonderful support and help from fellow member families, I became a charity Trustee and Secretary in 2018.

Janet Chaplin

I was delighted to be asked to become a trustee for Hands Up For Down's. I am a mum with 2 adult "children" and 3 grandchildren and before my retirement I was a Chief Officer in Probation where one of my county management responsibilities was safeguarding, something which I think stands me in good stead in this role. I am also Chair of Governors at a large local Primary school and take a leading role in my local church, including writing and producing an annual pantomime. I have an eclectic interest in charity work both locally and more globally. I hope I am able to make a difference for our Hands Up For Down's children and their families.

Anne Barker 

I have been a trustee with Hands Up For Down's since 2016. I have a younger sister who has Down's Syndrome and I have been working therapeutically with children who have disabilities in the third sector as well as privately for over 10 years.

Nicola Preece

When my best friend gave birth to her beautiful baby boy Eli in 2012, the everyday difficulties that children with Down’s Syndrome face and experience became acutely apparent. In 2016, I became a trustee of the charity so that I could offer my support and assistance to the children in helping them to confront, combat, and overcome the challenges that they face in growing up in an able bodied world.

Alan Santimano

I was asked to consider becoming a trustee for Hands Up For Down's in 2016 by a work colleague and parent member of the group. After agreeing and being appointed, I was involved straight away, bringing in my working knowledge and experience of finance, governance and assurance to the trustee meetings. It is very rewarding being part of the great team and being associated with the charity. I am always impressed by the effort and hard work that goes into ensuring the whole charity group benefit as much as possible in making essential services accessible to all.