Trustees
Jim Mason - Chairman
Originally from Glasgow, I have now been living in Llandudno in North Wales for the past twenty years and enjoying access to the sea and hills. I am married to Sarat and we have two grown-up daughters, now both flown the nest. My day job is a veterinary surgeon, helping to run a mobile clinic for the RSPCA across North Wales. I am a member of Gloddaeth Church, a Presbyterian church in Llandudno.
I have been interested in and supportive of the work in Uganda, initially through PCM and now through CHU, since I first became aware of it over ten years ago. I was able to visit Uganda in 2017 and it further enhanced my awareness of the needs there as well as deepened my commitment to the people. Since then I have become more actively involved and really appreciate being part of the team that has been built up around Nigel to continue the work that he and Marian together so ably began and faithfully served.
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Nigel Whitaker - Treasurer
Marian (my late wife) and I had the opportunity to take a team to Uganda in 2009. This was an outcome of our daughter making initial contact through a visit to Uganda in 2007. We then led another team in 2010 after which we felt that this should develop into a lasting relationship and commitment. That was when PCM UK was born under the umbrella of our local church.
After Marian’s death in 2018 I was greatly supported by a group of committed people in continuing the ministry in the UK. Subsequently we faced many challenges which led to the formation of an independent charity, Christian Hope Uganda (UK). I continue to play a part as the treasurer of the charity.
I spent 17 years serving as a missionary with Operation Mobilisation as a young man and am delighted to be able to continue having a role in building the Kingdom of God in a cross cultural setting.
Denise Picton - Secretary
My name is Denise Picton. I’m married to Mike, have 2 grown up children and 2 grandchildren. Family is always important to me and spending as much time as I can with the ones I love is essential. My hobbies include, walking my 2 gorgeous dogs, cooking and hospitality, reading, gardening and getting out in our caravan. I also love being with God's family and relationships are important. Being part of an active church is essential.
I am currently a Trustee and Secretary for Christian Hope Uganda UK and it’s been a privilege working as part of a team establishing this newly formed charity. I first became aware of the school’s work in 2007 and had an opportunity to make my 1st of 2 visits to Uganda in 2009. Being part of a team of 10 was a privilege. To see God at work in and through his people - the enthusiasm of the children - their appreciation of education - the dedication and sacrifice of the teachers.
I have remained involved in the work over the years to a greater and lesser extent. Just over 2 years ago the work went through a re-organisation, the result being the establishing of a new charity and name (formerly Parental Care ministries). I’m looking forward to seeing what God is going to do in growing this essential work.
My involvement with CHU began when my daughter made a visit to Uganda with Signpost International in 2006! As a family we had continuing contact that led to me visiting the work of Parental Care Ministries in 2014 and 2018. During these two visits I saw at first hand, not only the tremendous needs in Uganda but also saw how support from this country can make a massive difference. My wish to see this work continue in a sustainable manner has led me to become involved with CHU as a trustee of the charity.
I made a commitment of faith in 1976 as a final year medical student. Since qualifying I have lived in Mansfield (Nottinghamshire) since 1977 and I retired from general practice in 2020. I am a member of St John’s with St Mary’s C of E church for which I am one of the church wardens and thus trustee.
Peter Frith - Safeguarding officer
Peter Dutton
During my working life I have had experience in finance and general management with my last job for the 25 years before retirement in 2016 being the Practice Manager of Kinmel Bay Medical Centre. By way of sporting interest I’ve always enjoyed football and thought my footballing days were over until I rediscovered this game in the form of Walking Football and became a member of Prestatyn Walking Football Club. I am a member of Princes Drive Baptist Church in Colwyn Bay where I have served as a deacon and trustee. I am also a trustee of the charity C4E (Christians For Education). Since becoming a Christian at the age of 19 whilst at university, I have sought to share my faith through various means with children and youth which continues within the church setting and through Youth for Christ in Colwyn Bay. My connection with the work in Uganda began in 2012 when I first visited the schools currently supported by CHU (UK) and now feel privileged to serve as a trustee of this charity.
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Marion Dutton
It is with great sadness that we have had to say goodbye to our dear friend and co-worker Marion Dutton who has passed into the presence of the Lord and Saviour she loved and served so faithfully.
My wife and I had the privilege of visiting Marion two days before she left us. Our experience during that visit highlighted the character of Marion. We went to try and bring encouragement, comfort and to pray for Marion and the family. Marion, in her weakness diverted attention away from herself, asking after our health, expressing concern for us and after we prayed for her, she used the little strength she had to whisper a prayer for us. We left her bedside moved, encouraged and blessed. This was not all. As we were leaving Peter handed us a voucher for a meal at a restaurant stating that Marion regretted not being able to invite us for a meal and so wanted to give us this instead.
A godly lady who preferred to serve in the background, put others first, and had a heart full of love, compassion and generosity. Marion has left a massive hole in the lives of her family and many more besides. She will be greatly missed not least by the staff and children of the schools in Uganda who she blessed so much and who loved her dearly.
Nigel Whitaker
On behalf of the trustees of CHU.
