Meet the first of our new charity trustees

27 August 2024 | View all news

“I want to help ensure that more people can benefit from the services provided by Katharine House Hospice”

After skydiving 10,000-feet for our hospice last year, Amanda Brooke is no stranger to a new challenge.

As Managing Director of local business, Extramile Digital, and 25 years of consulting expertise in strategy development, Amanda is now one of the two new inspiring individuals joining us in vital charity trustee roles.

Get to know Amanda in this Q&A.

What motivated you to become a trustee for us?

I am passionate about people having access to the services provided, especially in the community.

The support, empathy and dignity given to individuals and their families is something everyone should be able to access when they need to.

Charities are facing significant challenges and I wanted to take the next step to ensure that more people can benefit from the services provided.

I’ve supported Katharine House Hospice over many years, doing street collections and supporting it through our business as our nominated charity and as a business buddy.

Our team’s effort to raise a day’s worth of funds has strengthened our connection with Katharine House Hospice and highlighted the impact of our donations.

What skills and experience do you bring to your trustee role?

I have worked with businesses for over 25 years as a consultant with a specialism in strategy development, working with leadership teams to maximise profitability and identify commercial opportunities.

In 2019 I got the chance to buy in to one of my clients which was a marketing company based in Stone, Extramile Digital, where I am now Managing Director.

I am used to problem-solving and working with teams of people to build their confidence to challenge the way they do things and find different and better ways of working.

My style is very facilitative and I have worked in the public and private sector.

Have you had previous trustee experience?

I have been a school governor for 21 years, 16 of which I was Chair.

I am also currently a trustee with Reform Heritage Trust an independent Stoke-on-Trent-based charity which specialises in the restoration and rejuvenation of heritage buildings.

In 2023 Amanda and her colleague took a 10,000-foot plunge, skydiving to raise funds for our cause.

What are your interests or hobbies outside of work?

I love travelling and have been to some fabulous places, Japan being my favourite.

I love to ski – I’m not the greatest skier but it is great fun!

Four years ago, I put a studio at the bottom of my garden as one of my passions is painting, it was what I was originally trained to do and still love painting in oils and visiting art galleries to find Caravaggio paintings.

I love walking, going to the gym and getting out and about on my road bike – anything that gets the adrenaline flowing.

What’s next on your fundraising agenda after the skydive?

I loved the skydive! I have since looked at the option to do Kilimanjaro and the wing walking…

Let’s see what 2025 brings and what the insurance implications are!