Meet the Trustees

Diane Pastore

I’m Diane Pastore, Chair of NDSSG. I’ve been involved since the early days with Helen and Andy Coppins, and my daughter — now 22 — was born just days apart from Matt Coppins. Like many of our Trustees, I wanted to give back. NDSSG has supported our family for years, and along the way we’ve gained not only guidance, but lifelong friendships.

Amanda Ackroyd

Trustee and Secretary

I recently retired and I’m keen to volunteerwhere my business knowledge and skills canbe useful.

Over the years I’ve held commercial positions at companies such as Boots the Chemist and Courtaulds, and most recently I was a Company Director at a higher education college. My hope is that I can use my experience to contribute in a meaningful way and help NDSSG reach its full potential.

Now I have time I’ve taken up new hobbies,and I enjoy singing in my local choir and trying to learn Spanish.

Rachel Howard

Hi, I’m Rachel mum to my superstar Pj aged 24, I become a trustee to support the development of opportunities through NDSSG, for our children/young people and adults with DS.

Liz Marder

I am a paediatrician who has led the Nottingham Down Syndrome Children’s clinic for the last 32 years. I have found working with the children and families so rewarding, that I was very pleased to have the opportunity to become a Trustee of NDSSG, so that I can maintain contact into my retirement. I am also a member of the Sign and Sing Choir.

Miriam Rutherford

I’m Miriam Rutherford. I’ve been proud to be a trustee for NDSSG for the last couple of years. My beautiful son is a member of this amazing community & this is my way of giving something back to a charity which goes above & beyond to support lots of young people in Nottinghamshire, improving their lives through inclusivity & the provision of fun activities & opportunities. I have a teaching background & my work now supports those with Down’s syndrome. I feel privileged to have my life & my family are at the centre of it all.

Berni Stanko

Berni Stanko, a children’s nurse and health visitor with over 30 years’ experience, and mum to Amélie, who has Down syndrome. NDSSG means a lot to me because it gave us community, understanding, and connection when we needed it most. As a trustee and coordinator of the Down Syndrome Baby Group, I’m passionate about supporting families in those early months and helping them feel welcomed, informed, and celebrated.

Being part of NDSSG allows me to bring together my professional experience, my lived experience as a parent, and my belief in the power of community. It’s a privilege to help shape a space that lifts families up, holds them through challenges, and celebrates every milestone along the way.

Phillippa Dunham

I have a 18yr old daughter with DS and we have been actively involved with NDSSG from early age.

This is my second year as a trustee. Having a daughter with DS has given me an insight and empathy to perform my role as a trustee. Also working as a TA in a local Primary School has given me a greater understanding of the need for policies, diversity, and inclusion.

Ash McKay

I am mum to 3 children, the youngest of which has Down Syndrome. I work in the NHS. I love dancing and singing. I have been a trustee with NDSSG for just over a year.

Ann-Marie Limer

Hello, I’m Ann-Marie Limer, I became a trustee at NDSSG to further help families with children/siblings with Downs Syndrome. I already run the Mansfield Downs Syndrome Support group monthly, which many families attend. I am also staff at the Dance warriors, and help out with warriors United weekly, which I really enjoy. I love to meet new families and to watch all of our members push themselves and excel, no matter their ability in all they do, and to sign post, and help in any way I can.

Aimee Prior

After becoming a PA in 2018 and since the revival of the charity I’ve been working with NDSSG in various forms. Whether at Dance Warriors, Warriors United or otherwise, I’m committed to supporting our members in the best way I can.