Scotty's welcomes three new trustees
We are delighted to welcome Dominic O’Sullivan, Ellen Plumer and Jon “Tank” James to the Scotty’s Board of Trustees. As trustees, they will help guide the direction we take as a charity and ensure we continue to do everything we can to support bereaved Forces children and young people.
Dominic O’Sullivan is a former RAF physical training instructor, now working as a health and fitness consultant and has teamed up with JobOppO to help veterans find employment. He also hosts the NAAFI Break podcast, where he and guests discuss the move from military life to successful second careers. He is a long-time supporter of Scotty’s Little Soldiers and took part in 2013’s record breaking 25-hour rugby match.
"It's a privilege to be a Scotty’s trustee, following 8 years of fundraising and supporting the charity. As a veteran and a father, this is a cause that’s very close to my heart. I have seen the impact Scotty's has and can say without a doubt that the support they offer is vital to those affected by the death of a military parent.”
This June, he is continuing his fundraising efforts with a 12-day, 2300-mile cycling trip around the UK in support of bereaved Forces children and young people.
Dom O'Sullivan at Scotty's HQ.
Ellen Plumer was born into a military family and has over 15 years of experience working within large charities such as Norwood, Barnardo’s and Ben. She specialises in diversifying income streams, ensuring functions are streamlined and overheads minimised whilst never losing focus on the people the charity supports. As the current Head of Employer Services and Partnerships for Ben, Ellen focuses on the various ways businesses can support charities in this challenging economic time. Her working history has provided her with frontline experience of the impact these uncertainties have on the young people involved.
“As a long-term supporter of Scotty’s, being asked to take on the role of trustee is such an honour. Being able to combine my military heritage, a drive and passion for supporting others and my working knowledge of charities is a privilege few are afforded. The team at Scotty’s are incredible and I am excited about being on the journey with them as they continue to provide much needed support to bereaved Forces children and young people.”
Ellen Plumer.
Jon “Tank” James has been an active supporter of Scotty’s from its inception. Jon is a Vice President at the Bank of America, as well as a committee member and Events Lead for the bank’s Military Support & Assistance Group Network (MSAG). He is a 13-year British Army Veteran and served in the 2nd Royal Tank Regiment until 2016. During this time, Jon served with Corporal Lee Scott, and was deployed with him in Afghanistan in 2009 when Lee was killed. Lee, who was known as “Scotty,” is the reason Scotty’s Little Soldiers exists.
“From day one, I’ve watched with pride as Scotty’s has grown from strength to strength. I am honoured and humbled to have been asked to become a trustee for Scotty’s, and I can’t wait to continue my involvement with the charity. The team do an amazing job providing support to bereaved Forces children and young people, and I look forward to being a part of it.”
Jon "Tank" James.
Scotty’s Little Soldiers was set up in 2010 by war widow Nikki Scott and offers integral support to children and young people aged 0-25 who have experienced the death of a parent who served in the British Armed Forces. Nikki saw the devastating impact the death of her husband, Corporal Lee Scott, had on their two young children and wanted to help others in the same situation.
The charity aids hundreds of bereaved Forces children and young people around the UK, offering services such as guidance to parents and carers, access to professional child bereavement support, personal education and learning assistance (including grants) and fun activities such as holiday respite breaks and group events. These are all designed to remind those supported by Scotty’s that they are not alone.
Scotty’s Founder, Nikki, said: “We’re really pleased to welcome Dom, Ellen and Jon to the Scotty’s team. Their military links and charity experience make them a perfect fit for our Board of Trustees, and we’re guaranteed to benefit from their wealth of knowledge.”
