Meet our Trustees

Chair: Toby Gee
Elected to replace founding chair Barbara Holl, Toby has led treks in Nepal and has a great respect and affection for the Nepali people – and their songs. He is a London-based barrister and along with his wife, Heather Peacocke, raised funds which helped to establish the charity in the UK. Toby’s vision for Porters’ Progress UK is to expand its activities beyond Nepal.

Treasurer: Robert Kesterton
Inspired by treks in the Indian and Nepalese Himalayas, as well as Africa and S. America, Rob recognises the responsibility that trekkers have for the wellbeing of their porters. He has a particular interest in the environmental implications of the trekking industry and as a Chartered Accountant has assumed the role of treasurer.

Publicity: Gabrielle Dean
Gaby has long been committed to supporting the welfare of mountain porters since her first trek to Nepal in 1999 and has actively been involved in many fundraising events during her nine years working at adventure travel specialists, World Expeditions. Gaby is responsible for marketing and the website.

Communications: Heather Peacocke
Heather was the first volunteer for Porters' Progress when it was set up in Nepal in 2000 and has continued to be involved since then. In 2004, she ran the London marathon and raised the first significant funds which helped establish Porters' Progress UK. Originally from New Zealand, Heather has travelled extensively in Nepal and has helped to co-ordinate our projects in Nepal and raise the profile of the charity in the UK.

Secretary: Denise Prior
A founder member of Porters' Progress and House Manager at the Royal Geographical Society. Following a first career in international banking and two years residence in the USA, Denise was appointed House Manager of the Royal Geographical Society in 1991. A developing interest in climbing and mountains led to her joining the Medex Expedition in 2003. She was deeply impressed by the courage, endurance, dignity and hospitality of the mountain porters. As Liaison Officer for her team, Denise was also responsible for ensuring their welfare throughout the trek and became aware of the precarious and inherently dangerous nature of their lives. On her return to the UK she threw her energies into setting up this charity.

Mary J. Morrell PhD

A Reader in Respiratory Physiology at Imperial College, London, Mary’s research focuses on the effects of sleep-related cardio-respiratory disease. Having started out as a Nurse, Mary has established her research group at the Royal Brompton Hospital. Her involvement in Porters Progress began when she was asked to be a researcher on the 2003 Medical Expeditions trek to Nepal. During her time in Nepal she learned about Porters Progress and upon her return became a Trustee of Porter Progress UK.

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