Pathfinders

DMD Pathfinders was co-founded in 2014 by Mark Chapman and Jon Rey-Hastie after working together for several years on a transition programme for young people with Duchenne, run by Action Duchenne. Through this project, a need was identified for an independent organisation to act as the voice of adults, sharing information and campaigning for better support and services.

In 2020, with the Covid-19 pandemic and the rapid loss of services for many people living with neuromuscular conditions, DMD Pathfinders took the decision to rebrand itself as Pathfinders Neuromuscular Alliance and to focus on working with and representing people with all neuromuscular disorders, not simply Duchenne muscular dystrophy.

Read more about our staff and trustees below:

Staff team

Jamie Hale is the CEO. They live independently in London with their partner and dog, supported by PAs. Their background is in organisational development – they founded and run CRIPtic Arts, a disability arts organisation, and in health and social care policy and research. According to the Shaw Trust they were one of the 100 most influential people in the UK in 2021. They also work as a creative and are an award-winning poet and screenwriter. When they’re having fun, Jamie enjoys the arts, cooking, gaming, and travel.

Michaela Hollywood is the Deputy CEO at Pathfinders. She studied at Ulster University, obtaining a degree in Public Relations, and then specialising in Political Lobbying for her Masters. She has been recognised for her work on disability rights and inclusion, including by Prime Minister David Cameron and BBC’s 100 Women in 2015. Michaela has worked in the charity sector for 6 years, and has experience in working with disabled people on campaigns and personal development. She lives in a small village in County Down, Northern Ireland with her parents, her blind dog Charlie and her sisters live next door. Michaela employs a team of PAs to enable her independence at home. In her downtime she enjoys watching snooker, playing The Sims, following American Idol, watching sci-fi or Disney, and volunteering on other projects for disability rights.

Cath McNicol is one of the Uplift Project Leads at Pathfinders. Uplift is our youth development project which supports young people with muscle weakening conditions to build skills and confidence, and campaign for social change. In her free time, she is  a trustee for the Wheelchair Football Association and coaches and plays at a club in Middlesbrough. She loves to travel and, with her partner, is currently having a go at a self build campervan.

Jacqui Adeniji-Williams is acting as the other Uplift Project Leads, and formerly the Project and Campaigns Assistant. She lives with family in London. As well as being an ambassador for multiple organisations that she holds close to her heart because equality, community, and exploring different art forms is something that Jacqui is passionate about as well as positive change for all. In her spare time, she is devoted to the exploration of theatre, music, poetry, songwriting, and performing.

Adam Langley is the Social Media and Outreach Assistant for Pathfinders. He lives in Mansfield with his Family. Adam Completed his BSc Undergraduate Degree in June 2019 at the University of Derby, which focused on data analytics, web design, the blockchain and smart technology. Adam enjoys gaming, drinking cocktails and tea, attending music gigs and festivals, and plays Powerchair Football nationally for Nottinghamshire Powerchair Football Club!

Kate Mellor is the Administrative Assistant for Pathfinders. Kate lives in Berkshire on her own supported by a team of PAs. She graduated from The University of Winchester in 2016 with a degree in Digital Media Design and she enjoys theatre, film and anything creative! Travelling is another of Kate’s favourite things to do and in 2018 did a coast-to-coast road trip of the USA. Kate spends her down time with friends, family and Netflix.

Honorary President

Mark Chapman is the Honorary President and one of the co-founders of Pathfinders. Mark lives independently in Edinburgh in his own flat, employing a team of PAs to support him. Mark has volunteered for many years for a range of disability and neuromuscular charities. He has an active social life and enjoys travel, theatre and spending time with friends.

Chairs of Trustees

Sarah Rose is a co-Chair of Trustees. She lives in East Sussex in her own home with support from a team of PAs. She completed a degree in English Language and Linguistics then a Masters in Education after which she worked in a school as a Language Support Assistant for 7 years. Sarah is currently a forum moderator for another MD charity and does research and campaign work for an advice organisation. In her free-time Sarah likes writing, making cards and doing crosswords.

Vicky Mozley is a co-Chair of Trustees and has been a trustee of Pathfinders since 2020. 

Co-Founder

Alongside Mark Chapman, our Honorary President, Pathfinders was founded by Jon Rey-Hastie Jon lives independently in Reading in his own flat, with his husband and supported by a team of PAs. Jon completed his PhD in 2008 and has since worked for a number of disability charities and as a local government officer. Jon enjoys gaming, travel and cocktail