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Who We Are
ROB was created by Yvonne Robertson in 2013 and is run and administered by a small team of unpaid volunteers.
Chair and Founder
Yvonne Robertson
I started my working life at 18 training as a nurse. After qualifying I specialised in Trauma and Orthopaedic care and later progressed to working in several senior management roles focusing on staff development and education.
I have always loved spending time in the outdoors and in the last 10 years discovered the joys of mountain climbing. Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro in 2013 was a dream come true.
During the climb I was so deeply touched, and full of respect for the mountain crew that supported me, that I wanted to help them improve their lives. So on my return I founded ROB to do just that.
In 2015 I left the NHS in England and moved to Chamonix in France to follow my passion for living and working in the mountains and helping others. I now spend my time running ROB, working part-time in a not-for-profit outdoor centre, volunteering as a nurse in Nepal and of course enjoying mountain sports.
I feel so privileged to have had such an amazing career supporting and caring for people at their most vulnerable times of their life and ensuring that those who care for them have the right knowledge and skills to do their job well. Creating and running ROB seems the natural focus for my skills now and I can honestly say that seeing the impact we have had on transforming lives in Tanzania has been the most rewarding part of my life.
Treasurer and Trustee
Steve Smith
I have been treasurer and an enthusiastic supporter of ROB since Yvonne started the charity in 2013.
I am a very experienced financial professional having spent over 30 years in the financial services industry. I retired as an Executive Director for Zurich Financial Services and the Group Accounting Director for their UK operations. I have also engaged in a number of senior consultances for other leading financial companies.
I have a number of other treasurer posts including for Cheltenham Film Society and the UK Patriots, the official fan club for the NFL team the New England Patriots. This gives an indication of my keen interests in film, travelling and sport. I live in Cheltenham and spend a large part of my remaining spare time baby-sitting my six grandchildren
Sally Batley
Trustee
I am a mother and proud grandmother.
I have worked in continuous improvement in healthcare all my career. I have been honoured to work with some outstanding change agents and have led some national programmes that transformed care for patients and citizens.
I am a community first responder and a Samaritan for my charity work alongside being a trustee of ROB: All of which I thoroughly enjoy. Helping people in need is an honour and watching them grow with the ROB awards is so humbling.
I am a single parent and know how hard it is to bring up a family. Having an awards programme to train you, and believe in you, is such a gift for you and your children. I am also lucky enough to be a yoga and meditation teacher and able to support people get into their bodies, and move away from their programming, is also a passion of mine. I believe we are all one and giving your gifts to the benefit of all is so important.
Website Designer/Adminstrator
Paul Evans
I joined the ROB team as website designer and administrator in November 2019 and started work to create a more functional online presence. This was achieved by early December and has allowed the charity to highlight its aims, work and successes as well as providing its awardees the opportunity to explain how their lives have benefitted from our support.
I am retired and living in the mountains in Chamonix where I enjoy an active outdoor lifestyle in a wonderful environment. Being involved in the charity allows me to use my technical skills for the benefit of others and provides me with a wonderful opportunity to contribute something positive to a great cause.
Anna Delcour
Awardee Liaison Officer
I am Anna I am 27 years old and I come from Arras in the North of France. I moved to the Alps 4 years ago to live close to the mountains.
I have been hiking since I was a child thanks to my parents who have passed on their passion for the mountains to me !
I live in Chamonix and work in the tourist industry for an organisation that promotes better access to sport through various activity holidays.
I met Yvonne in Chamonix at work and we became friends. When I heard about ROB and it’s great work I wanted to help and I was delighted that she asked me to join the team as the awardee liaison officer.
I have always wanted to share my energy and skills to help others and I’m very excited to have this opportunity to help the people of Tanzania .