MEET OUR PATRON
General The Lord Richards of Herstmonceoux GCB VBE DSO DL
Lord Richards of Herstmonceux served as Chief of the Defence Staff, leading the British Armed Forces from 2010 to 2013. Prior to this, he was the Commander of the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) in Afghanistan from 2006 to 2009, overseeing NATO-led operations. His distinguished career reflects expertise in strategic leadership and international military cooperation.
“When western forces left Afghanistan in 2021 hundreds of thousands of its citizens were left to face Taliban oppression and persecution without any protection or help. The Afghan Relief Trust helps a small number of them - including a number of women and girls - to survive and stand up in quiet ways for their own rights. Small amounts of help can make a big difference - sometimes between life and death.”
The Trust’s Board consists of 6 residents of West Sussex who feel loyalty to the Afghan people who served their country in the fight for human rights and freedoms in the period 2001 to 2021. They were left without help or support when western troops withdrew in August of 2021.
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Charles Sommer
Charles is a qualified accountant but has spent the past 50 years in the family freight forwarding company. Charles is keen to help those in need .
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Ben Allen
Ben is a director of an engineering company in the UK and serves on the Board of Trustees for this Afghan relief charity because he is deeply committed to supporting those affected by the ongoing crisis in Afghanistan. With a strong interest in military history and the withdrawal of forces, he understands the long-term challenges many Afghan families face. Ben believes in using his skills and resources to make a meaningful impact, helping to provide critical aid, education, and support. Through his involvement, he hopes to bring attention to the needs of Afghan communities and contribute to a more stable and hopeful future for those in need.
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MM
A proud former interpreter for the British government, MM spent about four years bridging cultures and facilitating critical communication. Now a trustee for the Afghan Relief Trust, he is passionate about supporting his community. Grateful for the warm welcome and opportunities he’s received in his new home, the UK, MM is also a devoted father and lifelong learner.
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Roger Pask
Roger is a former teacher and Principal of large secondary schools for 25 years. His second career since retiring 25 years ago was in leadership development in international and national contexts. He founded Sanctuary in Chichester in 2015 to welcome and support refugees, with a personal specialism in advocacy. He led the founding of the Afghan Relief Trust in early 2022 in response to prompts from Afghan refugees in West Sussex. He is a father and grandfather and passionate lover of the arts.
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Deborah See
Deborah is a trained English teacher who taught young people and adults in inner city further education colleges. She has held senior leadership positions for curriculum, quality and the student experience at a number of colleges. This work included developing new curricula both in the UK and internationally. Prior to teaching, Deborah worked with vulnerable young people and adults in a range of settings. She currently works as an educational consultant developing anti-racist curricula in the further education sector. She also teaches English to refugees and asylum seekers in a voluntary capacity.
