A Charity Run on Passion
Our voluntary team, who give up their time to run the trust, are in it to make a difference. Our events, partnerships and projects are as good as any high-profile charity. Meet our wonderful volunteers
Meet the Team
”I’m absolutely blown away by the work that you guys do and it’s an honour to support you
Jim WhiteSky Sports and Talk Sport presenter.
After studying sports management, Andrew completed a basketball coaching scholarship with a National League coach and was recognised as one of the top young coaches in the country. Leading to a career in developing sport at grass roots level, Andrew later became a director for a sporting organisation overseeing academies and events for local councils, schools and privately owned clubs.
Andrew is very much the driving force behind the RST and is actively involved in all aspects of the trust. Passionate about making a difference to the lives of people affected by spinal cord injury, Andrew is delighted that RST is recognised as a ‘Key Supporter’ of spinal research and his regular dialog with some of the leading figures in the spinal world makes him excited for the future.
Andrew was honoured to be a steering group member for the ‘James Lind Alliance Priority Setting Partnership for Spinal Cord Injury’ and was delighted to receive an award from the Spinal Injuries Association in recognition of his work in ‘Helping to Rebuild Lives after Spinal Cord Injury’.
As the long-term partner of Marrianne Rooprai, Andrew has witnessed first-hand the devastation a spinal cord injury can bring. He is also fully aware of the progress that can be made through hard work and belief, something he is keen to share with others.
Since handling the formation of the Charity back in 2005, Sharon has been our office manager and oversees all the fundamentals that make for a successful charity. From managing the accounts through to keeping Andrew’s ideas in check! Sharon is a vital cog in the RST wheel.
Sharon also shares the passion for making a difference, which runs all through the RST family. Supporting Marrianne since day one of her accident, Sharon is aware of how a spinal cord injury also affects the family and friends of those unfortunate enough to sustain an injury. Sharon is also aware of how vital family and friends are when it comes to striving for progress.
Kevin is a director for a large London Borough and lead on the management of the 2012 Olympics for that borough. In addition, Kevin is responsible for all parks, sports,
leisure facilities, play, contract monitoring, grounds maintenance and events within his borough. With over 25 years’ experience in the leisure industry, Kevin is passionate about raising the profile of RST and is driven by making a difference for others.
leisure facilities, play, contract monitoring, grounds maintenance and events within his borough. With over 25 years’ experience in the leisure industry, Kevin is passionate about raising the profile of RST and is driven by making a difference for others.
Kevin has been a Trustee since RST formed and has helped to raise monies for the charity by organising events and bringing people together in the best interests of the charity. He was the first person to raise monies for the RST by shaving his head and has set the example for many others to follow.
Voted one of the 100 most influential women in the UK hospitality industry, Zia is a successful business woman and respected figure in the retail world. Zia has overseen projects for world famous brands such as Tesco, John Lewis, B&Q, Virgin Media, Virgin Atlantic and Selfridges. Currently a Director for Fortnum & Mason, Zia is perfectly placed to help raise the profile of RST.
Best friends with Marrianne since the age of 3, Zia was delighted to accept our invitation to be an ambassador and more than happy to donate some time to a cause close to her heart. ‘Marrianne and I have been close friends since we were little, often being mistaken for sisters. She has always made me laugh, cry and everything in between but most importantly, she is a massive inspiration. The Rooprai Spinal Trust is a hugely important organisation and I’m honoured to help in any way I can.”
In 2017 fun loving Sam was just 19 when a diving accident left him paralysed from the shoulders down. Sam reached out to RST and the rest, as they say, is history. (Read more about Sam’s journey on our testimonials page).
Outgoing Sam has built up a close friendship with both Marrianne and Andy and has become an important part of the team. Keen to give back, Sam and his family are big supporters of our work and in 2020 we invited Sam to be an ambassador for RST and we’re pleased to say he said yes!
Sam has been rebuilding his life over the last few years and has done an amazing job, leaving him perfectly placed to inspire others via his zest for life and positive outlook.
Dave was introduced to the Rooprai Spinal Trust whilst looking for a place at the 2014 London Marathon. We were delighted to offer Dave a place for his first ever marathon and a beautiful friendship was born.
Fast forward to today and Dave has completed 11 marathons around the world, the Goggins challenge in China, the WA series in Australia and all for RST. With well over £30,000 raised, Dave has become a crucial part of the team, raising awareness, recruiting supporters and securing corporate support along the way. A proud Scotsman, Dave works in the shipping industry in the Far East and lives in Western Australia. We are very proud and lucky to have Dave as both an ambassador and friend.
In August 2015 Steve was left fighting for his life after being knocked from his bike by a car. The then 50 year old father of two was left paralysed from the waist down.
Steve first met Andy and Marrianne when he was training at Prime Physio. The positive thinker and former time trialist cycling champion hit it off with Andy and Marrianne instantly. Steve, who has also worked with the Neurophysics Therapy Clinic in Australia, loved what RST was all about and wanted to get involved with helping others access physiotherapy.
In August 2019, four years post injury, Steve was back on two wheels when he took on ‘Ride London’, a 100 mile cycle race. Defying the odds, Steve rode for Team RST to raise funds for others and to show the importance of never giving up. Whilst every spinal cord injury is different, Steve wanted to show the importance of setting goals, no matter what your injury, and working hard to achieve them. Steve has some exciting plans for future challenges for RST. Watch this space.
Click the news icon below to read more about Steve’s brilliant 100 mile ride.
In September 2012, 22 year old Zach was in the Bestival Coach Crash, which killed 3 people including his close friend Michael Molloy. Zach was thrown out of the windscreen as the coach crashed head first into a tree; he was not wearing a seatbelt at the time, a decision that was later proven in court to have saved his life. Zach shattered vertebrae in his spine which caused bone fragments to slice through his spinal cord, leaving him paralysed from the waist down.
Zach is another Prime Physio stable mate of Marrianne’s and someone who also believes in the power of setting goals and striving to achieve them. He set his sights on completing the London Marathon and in 2018 achieved that goal; walking all 26.2 Miles (in 11 hours 45 minutes) in the world’s most iconic distance event, raising thousands of pounds for RST along the way.
Today Zach is an international swimmer, competing around the world and working hard to make the next Paralympics with TeamGB. “Better never stops” is the moto Zach lives by and he’s always keen to share his story and help others dealing with spinal cord injury. We are very proud to have him as an RST Ambassador and we’re all fully behind his swimming goals.
Click the news icon below to read more about Zach’s Marathon effort.
In 2009 a tumour on the spine suddenly left Nick Heald paralysed from the waist down. Faced with the devastation that paralysis brings, Nick embarked on a journey for progress. Determined to push the limits, Nick decided to take up the para canoe. Although initially just a great way to keep in shape, Nick’s talent was spotted by the Team GB canoe team. Nick has since gone on to become European Champion, World Champion and World Record holder. We could think of nobody better to be an Ambassador of RST.
A stable mate of Marrianne’s at Prime physio, Nick is fully aware of the progress that hard work and belief can bring and is now able to walk with the help of a stick. A big advocate of our physio scholarship program, we are honoured to have Nick and his lovely wife Juliet as supporters and friends.
Our inspiration and an inspiration to so many. Inspiring can be an overused word but not when it comes to Marrianne. If you haven’t checked out Marrianne’s physio page yet, have a quick look and you’ll see exactly what we mean and why Marrianne is recognised as one of the 100 most influential people with disability in the UK.