James comes from Yorkshire and is the Huntington's Disease Youth Engagement Service Team Leader. He previously worked in schools as a pastoral head of year and Special Educational Needs schools before coming to the Huntington's Disease Association in 2017. James enjoys being outdoors as much as he can and really likes climbing hills, travelling, walking his dog and sports although just as happy on the sofa watching Netflix! He and his wife have a daughter and a newfoundland who keep them entertained. Whenever he gets the chance he likes to watch the mighty FC Halifax Town or taking his daughter to watch Arsenal Ladies if they're playing nearby. In a previous life, James used to play the drums in a few bands and spent a lot of time in the studio recording all sorts of artists and bands.

Ian is from West Midlands and is our youth worker covering Central England and North Wales. If you've met Ian then no doubt you would have met his beautiful cat, Belle who attends most of his online meetings. Ian previously worked as a college lecturer teaching performing arts, media studies, hairdressing, and a variety of functional skills and life skills subjects, to students with supported learning needs. He also worked as an Independent Mental Health Advocate (IMHA) supporting the rights of those detained under section in hospital and community settings. Ian’s family has been affected by Huntington’s disease for three generations and he was a family carer for his mum and aunt from the end of his teenage years into his 30s. While being a carer he was fortunate enough to be able to juggle caring responsibilities by working sporadically in film and television as a supporting artist and actor, moving later into modelling, commercials, and body doubling for the leading actors.

Jack is originally from Bristol and is the Youth Worker for the South West England - the home of Banksy and Wallace and Gromit. Whilst studying at university, Jack volunteered with children with disabilities and really enjoyed it so wanted to be in a role where he could make a difference and engage with lots of different people. Jack joined the team in September 2022. When not at work, Jack enjoys reading lots of books - in particular, novels by Stephen King - his favourite author. He is slowly making his way through everything he has ever published and gets a few chapters in every night before bed. Jack's favourite books are ‘The Long Walk’ or fantasy stories - in particular Joe Abercrombie’s First Law series. Jack also loves sports and and follows the UFC and football as well as travelling browsing Skyscanner for good deals on flights.

Sirumpa is originally from Thailand and moved to England ten years ago to study. She joined the charity in 2023 but previously worked as an Art Therapist for five years. Back in Thailand, Sirumpa was an art teacher and has always worked with children, young people and vulnerable people for the majority of her career. Sirumpa enjoys reading books in coffee shops and the nature here in England but still misses the Thai food. Currently, she is learning how to swim which is one of her biggest fears.

Nadia is the Project Officer for the Youth Engagement Service. Nadia joined the Huntington’s Disease Association in 2023. She has a background in psychology and previous experience in events and educational roles. Previously, she organised and planned educational residentials and supported the delivery of sporting events, university open days and family day events. She has also worked in one-to-one support and teaching young children with autism. Nadia is a lover of being outdoors and hiking or playing sport or keeping active in the gym.