Richard is a retired medical doctor and Emeritus Professor of Endocrinology at The University of Sheffield. Richard’s specialty was endocrinology, looking after patients with hormone disorders such as thyroid and adrenal disease. In the clinic, Richard specialised in the transitional care of young adults from the children’s hospital to the adult services. In the university, Richard undertook teaching and research which involved him being on the boards of academic charities and university companies.

Richard keeps bees and plays the fiddle in a Celtic folk band called the Peddlers.

Abu is a Technical Programme Manager for a leading UK retailer and a Director of New Tech Setup, providing technology support and consultancy services. Graduating in Business and Management from a Business School in West London, Abu is passionate about business, innovation, and sustainable growth.

Abu believes strongly in the principle of giving back to the community and is honoured to serve as the Treasurer for Sheffield Young Carers. Abu hopes to support and add value to the charity through its leadership, benefiting young people and carers who are at its heart.

Outside of his professional life, Abu is an avid hiker - some of his favourite national parks are the Lake District and Peak District.

Rosie has a background in human resources and senior management, gained in both the voluntary sector and Higher Education. She has run a local community centre, held senior roles in the National Trust and OXFAM UK/International and retired after 17 years as the HR Director of the University of Sheffield. She brings experience of governance, leadership and employment to her role as Trustee of SYC.

Rosie is deeply committed to SYC and feels lucky to be able to support such an expert, vibrant and caring team, who in turn support such inspiring young carers and their families.

Lynda has had a varied career in a number of different educational settings. Her work with young people of a wide range of ages and ethnic and social backgrounds has encouraged great flexibility and awareness of young people’s needs, coupled with a caring approach and concern for equal opportunities.

Lynda’s most recent role was Senior Learning Mentor at King Ecgbert School, Sheffield, where she also held the roles of Deputy Child Protection Officer, Designated Teacher for Looked After Children, and 6th form tutor and mentor to under-achieving pupils or those struggling with issues such as bereavement or mental health issues of their own or within the family.

Lynda enjoys walking, learning Italian and attending yoga classes. Lynda also love spending time with family and friends.

Sam has been a Trustee with Sheffield Young Carers since September 2021. Sam was inspired by Sara Gowen and the team attending an event within the NHS to discuss the service and hear from voices of young carers.

Sam was a young carer for her Mum from the age of 8, this was before SYC was established in 1997. Sam’s caring responsibilities impacted greatly on her education and social networks. Sam is particularly interested in Safeguarding and supporting our young carers to access education and the need for improved identification and support within education

Through hard work and determination, Sam returned to education in 2008 and qualified as a Registered Nurse in 2013 - something she is incredibly proud of.

Sam enjoys spending time with her family & her two dogs Albert & Einstein, running and climbing.

Sara is a former service user turned trustee. Sara has firsthand experience of the lives of young carers and benefitted immensely from SYC as a teenager. As Sara works towards her own medical degree, her core aim is to help increase the recognition of young carers in education and healthcare. Most importantly, early recognition so all young carers can be well supported as they work towards their goals! 

Steven was supported by SYC for a year and then went on to join our Action Group, where he hosted three SYC AGM’s and worked as part of a team of young carers to improve services locally, nationally, and internationally for young carers. He has been a trustee with us since November 2020.

Steven is currently completing teacher training at Sheffield Hallam, specialising in Primary and Early Years education. He has experience in youth work and peer counselling, through a mix of voluntary and paid work with organisations such as Chillypep, Heppsy and NCS.