About Us

Our Team

The dedicated staff, volunteers, trustees and patrons who make GASP possible.

Support

Day-to-day operational responsibility for GASP is delegated by the Trustees to the Chief Executive, who is supported by an Operations Manager, Executive Assistant and Programmes Coordinator — plus a full-time Workshop Manager, Mobiles Manager, and a team of part-time tutors who grow in number as demand for GASP’s sessions continues to increase.

Alexandra Thompson
Alexandra Thompson
CEO

Alex is passionate about creating opportunities for young people who may not thrive in traditional environments. With over 20 years' experience across education, charities and social inclusion, she has led organisations through significant growth, building strong partnerships and sustainable services. Since joining GASP as CEO in 2019, she has helped expand the charity’s reach and impact, enabling more than 600 young people each year to re-engage with education, develop confidence and achieve positive outcomes.

Lucy Weber
Lucy Weber
Operations Manager

As Operations Manager, Lucy oversees GASP’s programmes, tutors, safeguarding, health and safety, quality assurance, training and daily operations across workshop and mobile classrooms. Her background in school inclusion and alternative provision covers attendance, safeguarding, SEMH support and removing barriers for disadvantaged learners. Her operational expertise and focus on outcomes help ensure every student receives the support needed to succeed.

Alan Wells
Alan Wells
Curriculum Consultant

Alan is an engineering educator with more than four decades’ experience in automotive engineering, motorcycle restoration, fabrication and further education. Formerly Interim Head of Engineering at Brooklands College, he leads GASP’s curriculum development, combining practical workshop learning with recognised qualifications. His expertise in curriculum design, quality assurance and vocational education helps students gain relevant technical skills and stronger progression opportunities.

Moyra Matravers
Moyra Matravers
Head of Fundraising

Moyra is an experienced charity professional with more than 20 years in fundraising and stakeholder engagement. She is passionate about helping organisations grow their impact and build long-term sustainability. Known for her warmth, integrity and collaborative approach, Moyra has secured significant funding from a wide range of sources while developing strong relationships with funders, partners and communities. She is committed to ensuring GASP has the resources we need to transform lives and create lasting positive change.

Rebecca Feeney
Rebecca Feeney
Corporate and Community Fundraiser

Becca joined GASP in January 2026 as Corporate and Community Fundraiser. She brings experience in relationship‑building, community engagement, and creative project development, and is passionate about securing sustainable support for GASP’s work with young people. She also runs a photography business and enjoys gardening and creative projects.

Sam Jones
Sam Jones
Finance and Officer Manager

Sam joined GASP in 2021 and supports its day-to-day administration, drawing on experience across the corporate and education sectors. Her work in mainstream education gave her first-hand insight into the challenges facing schools and pupils, as well as the value of alternative provision. Her professional background includes media relations, marketing, office management and finance.

Laura Lloyd
Laura Lloyd
Scheduling and Contracts Lead

Laura joined GASP in March 2023 with several years’ administrative experience, including quality assurance for policies and procedures and staff training. Passionate about young people’s education, she works with schools and other education services across Surrey to help more young people access GASP’s alternative provision.

Holly Wilcox
Holly Wilcox
Qualifications and Compliance Officer

Holly joined GASP in September 2026, bringing experience across education, qualifications and social work. She understands safeguarding and the barriers young people and families can face, having supported people aged 11–25 and widening participation initiatives at the University of Surrey. Committed to equality, Holly is committed to helping young people thrive.

Tutors

Our tutors lead every workshop and mobile classroom session, bringing hands-on motor mechanics and engineering expertise directly to GASP’s students — growing in number as demand for sessions continues to increase.

Simon Boyden
Simon Boyden
Motor Mechanics Tutor

Simon joined GASP in 2015 and supports the delivery of mobile and workshop sessions. A skilled mechanic, he brings hands-on expertise in vehicle maintenance and repair. Over four decades, he has supported young people as an ATC, RAFGSA and Full Category B BGA gliding instructor. Also a private pilot and former Scout Leader, PTA Chair and Treasurer, Simon previously spent 20 years in financial-services IT in London.

Roger Brecke
Roger Brecke
Motor Mechanics Tutor

Roger began his career as a blacksmith, developing his craft over 40 years. He later moved into lighting design and toolmaking, where his work included a chandelier that remained a leading seller at a well-known department store for a decade. At GASP, Roger values being part of the team and helping students build practical knowledge, confidence and new skills through hands-on learning.

Chris Briggs
Chris Briggs
Motor Mechanics Tutor

Chris joined GASP after a varied career in the military and education, including service with the Irish Guards, supporting young people with special educational needs, and leading cadet and Duke of Edinburgh programmes. Drawing on extensive mentoring and training experience, he creates a calm, structured environment where students build confidence, resilience and practical engineering skills, helping those who struggled in mainstream education discover strengths through hands-on learning.

Terry Francis
Terry Francis
Motor Mechanics Tutor

A lifelong automotive enthusiast, Terry brings experience in parts management, customer service and vehicle systems. Before joining GASP, he spent more than a decade supplying specialist Ferrari and Maserati parts to customers and restorers worldwide. His attention to detail, enthusiasm and clear explanations help students connect their learning to the wider automotive industry while building confidence and practical skills.

Howard James
Howard James
Motor Mechanics Tutor

Howard joined the GASP team in 2013 and leads the delivery of our mobile programme. Howard trained as a mechanical engineer at the MOD, with a specialism in precision instrument making. Howard has a background in development and field service engineering, in both the public and private sectors. He is also a fully qualified British Gliding Association Instructor.  In his spare time Howard enjoys playing badminton.

Steve Randell
Steve Randell
Motor Mechanics Tutor

Steve joined GASP as a volunteer in March 2023 and became a daytime tutor in September 2025. A qualified aircraft instrument maker, multi-trade machinist and fitter, he completed his apprenticeship at the MOD. He has run engineering companies producing aircraft components, seat heaters, racing-car parts and specialist boring bars, and established his own plumbing and building company 20 years ago.

Richard Seymour
Richard Seymour
Motor Mechanics Tutor

Richard joined GASP in 2021 and supports workshop sessions. He began his career as an apprentice mechanic at a Ford dealership, later becoming a technician and product specialist at Toyota. His varied career has included preparing press cars, supporting driving events and motor shows, competing in the Toyota MR2 championship, and delivering specialist vehicle projects. He now supports film crews and restores classic cars and motorbikes.

Phil Smith
Phil Smith
Motor Mechanics Tutor

Phil has more than 25 years’ experience maintaining and repairing machinery, from small engines to hydraulic and electrical systems. His background as a horticultural engineer gives him a practical, problem-solving approach and strong mechanical knowledge. At GASP, his technical expertise, patience and approachable teaching style help students understand real-world engineering principles and develop practical skills.

Trevor Vass
Trevor Vass
Motor Mechanics Tutor

Trevor has more than 30 years’ experience in the motorcycle industry, specialising in diagnostics, servicing, engine rebuilds and fault finding. He has trained apprentices and supported workshop teams throughout his career, making knowledge-sharing central to his work. At GASP, his industry expertise and hands-on approach inspire aspiring engineers and help young people recognise their potential.

Volunteers

GASP is extremely fortunate to be supported by an exceptional team of volunteers who give their time to support both our evening and daytime sessions — many bringing decades of engineering, motor mechanics and mentoring experience. Our evening club volunteers lead GreenPower F24 racing as well as core motor mechanics sessions every Monday and Wednesday. Find out about volunteering with GASP.

George Black
George Black
Motor Mechanics Tutor

George joined GASP in May 2026 as a volunteer, bringing practical experience in cars, motorbikes, electronics and engineering. An experienced Scout leader and youth mentor, he enjoys helping young people develop skills and confidence through calm, patient, hands-on guidance. Trained in first aid and counselling skills, George looks forward to sharing his enthusiasm for mechanics with GASP’s young people during evening sessions.  

Simon Coleman
Simon Coleman
Motor Mechanics Tutor

Simon is a highly experienced engineering and business leader with more than 40 years of experience spanning electrical engineering, automation, project management and executive leadership. Simon now brings his technical expertise, mentoring skills and passion for mechanics to GASP. Simon is an automotive enthusiast and coach, he is committed to supporting young people to develop confidence, practical skills and positive futures.

Darren Drew
Darren Drew
Motor Mechanics Tutor

Darren joined GASP in December 2023 after more than 40 years in construction management. He began his career making double-glazed windows before moving into office and management roles. A keen car-maintenance enthusiast, he describes himself as a competent DIYer with a strong interest in mechanics. Outside GASP, he keeps several local beehives and enjoys science-fiction films.

Andrew Hurley
Andrew Hurley
Motor Mechanics Tutor

Andrew joined GASP in January 2023. He specialises in reverse-engineering novel, legacy and unfamiliar complex systems. A qualified Level 6 Ordnance, Munitions and Explosives apprentice, he trained with QinetiQ at Fort Halstead. He is currently undertaking a complete nut-and-bolt restoration of a Citroën 2CV6.

Steve Randell
Steve Randell
Motor Mechanics Tutor

Steve joined GASP as a tutor in September 2026, having volunteered with the organisation since March 2023. He became a daytime tutor in September 2025 and continues to volunteer. A qualified aircraft instrument maker, multi-trade machinist and fitter, Steve completed his apprenticeship at the MOD. He has run engineering companies producing aircraft components, seat heaters, racing-car parts and specialist boring bars, and founded his own plumbing and building company 20 years ago.

Fraser Roberton
Fraser Roberton
Motor Mechanics Tutor

Fraser joined GASP as a student in October 2023 and then as a volunteer in March 2026. In his own time he built an MK Sportscars Sprint 185 kit car and helped write its build manual, gaining experience in fabrication, modification and assembly. He also designs in CAD, has modelled a V10 engine, and is developing a machine to recycle 3D prints into filament. Fraser is currently studying Maths, Physics, DT: Engineering and Business, he hopes to study mechanical engineering at university.

Andrew Rowe
Andrew Rowe
Motor Mechanics Tutor

Andrew (Raggy) joined GASP after a 41-year career with TUI, progressing from engineering apprentice to CAA-licensed engineer and Hangar Manager at Luton Airport. He supported the airline’s global fleet of 135 Boeing aircraft and particularly valued leading its apprenticeship programme, helping young people become qualified engineers. Now retiring, he enjoys racing cars and bikes and is keen to share his experience at GASP’s evening sessions.

Brian Wales
Brian Wales
Motor Mechanics Tutor

Brian joined GASP in 2024 after a varied automotive engineering career spanning ESSO, Williams F1, TWR, Rolls-Royce suppliers and McLaren Automotive. At McLaren, he progressed from Supplier Quality Engineer to Operations Manager at McLaren Special Operations, helping turn customers’ bespoke ideas into engineered specifications. A keen DIYer, he owns an MGB and ex-army Land Rover and volunteers to share the opportunities and support he received throughout his career.

Chris Wigmore
Chris Wigmore
Motor Mechanics Tutor

Trustees

Overall responsibility for GASP’s strategy, governance and policy lies with the Board of Trustees, who give their time voluntarily and receive no benefits from the Charity. New Trustees are appointed following an interview process, bringing a diverse range of skills and knowledge to support GASP’s continued growth.

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Ian Watson
Chairman
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David Halliwell
Honorary Treasurer & Company Secretary
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John Chaplin
Trustee
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Ian Digman
Trustee
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Stephen Drury
Trustee
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Elena Babkina
Trustee
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Robert Pickles
Trustee
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Nicholas Elliott
Trustee
Lynne Regan
Lynne Regan
Trustee (appointed Oct 2023)

Want to Join Our Team?

We're always looking for passionate volunteers and occasional paid roles.

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