Pathfinders Trustees

DMD Pathfinders was co-founded in 2014 by Mark Chapman (now Chair) and Jon Hastie (now CEO) 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 Mark Chapman, our Honorary President and the trustees below:

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

Daniel Baker is a co-Chair of Trustees and has been a trustee of Pathfinders since 2016. Daniel lives in Gloucestershire and is a keen amateur photographer, blogger and actor. Daniel holds a BSc(Hons) in Applied Physics from Oxford Brookes University. Daniel enjoys gaming, comic conventions and spending time with family and friends.

Lucy Watts MBE is a co-Chair of Trustees and has been a trustee of Pathfinders since 2020. Lucy lives in Essex with her mother and a team of PAs and nurses. She has worked on national and international palliative care policy, and national NHS policy, as well as running her own business. Lucy enjoys making videos and films, and spending time with her assistance dog Molly. 

 Trustees

John Ashby has been a trustee of Pathfinders since it started in 2014. John lives in Coventry and plays an active role in Pathfinders, helping with our social media activity, and has presented at a number of events and conferences.

Sarah Rose joined as a trustee in 2020. 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. 

Ryan Worth has been a trustee of Pathfinders since it started in 2014. Ryan lives in Crewe in his own flat, supported by a team of PAs. Ryan has an active interest in politics and is the Crewe & Nantwich Labour Party Disability Officer. Ryan enjoys comedy, music and spending time with friends.