An invitation from the Chair of the Board

Update from our chair, with an image of Simon Booth

An invitation from the Chair of the Board

Portrait of Simon Booth, Chair of Trustees at Galloways, smiling at the camera, with his signature and name displayed beside him.

As 2026 draws to a close, Galloways is entering a time of change.

In the coming months, we will complete our current five-year strategy, which has guided us as we rebuilt and strengthened our services following the Covid-19 pandemic. We can look back with pride at the difference our team has made for people living with sight loss.

We have also said goodbye to our Chief Executive Officer, Iain Pearson, who left at the end of September after four years leading the charity. On behalf of the Board of Trustees, I thank Iain for his contribution and wish him all the best for the future.

There is much to look forward to.

We are preparing to launch a service for children and young people, develop our next strategy and celebrate Galloways’ 160th anniversary in 2027. It is a remarkable milestone, and one that gives us an opportunity to reflect on our history while shaping the support people will need in the years ahead.

My family’s connection with Galloways goes back to its beginnings.

My great-great-grandfather, Edwin, was one of the charity’s founding trustees in 1867, and now, my daughter, Beatrice is on the Board of Trustees and is taking on the London Marathon in 2027 to raise money for Galloways. It means a great deal to me to remain involved today and to see the Galloways community continue to grow. Thank you for being part of it.

As we approach this milestone in Galloways’ history, I would like to extend a special invitation to you, our supporters, service users and friends, to be part of what comes next.