Meet the Team

HR & Resource Manager – Primary school board of governors, Chair of resources and steering committee – Qualified interviewer – Lead Head Teacher performance manager

Former NHS specialist – Registered Homecare Manager

My name is Denise Ridsdale and I have had the honour and pleasure of being associated with Eve Merton’s Dream Trust since 2011.

I first met Martin when he was introduced to me and my husband by my youngest daughter Joanne as her boyfriend, he came into our home back in 2010 with a big smile shook my husband’s hand and said hello, the usual niceties. Martin turned to me shook my hand and said, “nice to meet you mother”, the warmth and sincerity in those words meant so much and I knew Joanne and us as a family were on to a winner here.

I am currently employed as the Registered Manager for Drewdales Homecare Services which is a local based company providing excellent social/home care for adults 18 years and above in their own home. At the time I met Martin, I was employed as a Specialist Wound Care Nurse Practitioner at Doncaster Royal Infirmary.

I knew from getting to know Martin over several months and talking with Martin that his mum (Eve Merton) was not in good health and fighting a battle with cancer for the last couple of years. I did not know Eve personally even though we all lived within the same area of Balby, Doncaster but we did have some mutual friends.

Then one day in November 2010, I received a request from a ward at Doncaster Royal Infirmary to review a lady with a wound that was failing to heal. I arrived on the ward and waiting outside the room was Martin, along with other members of his family. It soon became apparent that the patient I had come to see was Martins mum, Eve. I entered the room, introduced myself in my nursing capacity and then had the pleasure of introducing myself as Martin’s girlfriend’s mum, an unusual way to meet but an exceptional one for many reasons.

In that moment I saw that same warmth and sincerity that I witnessed on that first day I met Martin. This lady had great strength and character, she was proud of her family, proud of their achievements and most of all proud to be their mum. I was honoured to get to know Eve over the next couple of months, her determination and commitment to overcome this horrendous disease called Cancer was inspiring.

Sadly, Eve lost her fight with cancer in January 2011.

I have supported the charity, hands on, since the very early days. I’ve worked tombola stalls, sold raffle tickets, completed a Zumba marathon, sponsored people doing crazy things like jumping out of aeroplanes, to which I did draw the line. I’m also available in my role as Trustee to draw on my many years in the NHS, to offer professional advice surrounding individual cases and potential support for some of the families coming into the charity.

Martin very kindly asked me to represent EvesTrust as one of their Trustees, something I was delighted to accept. It was and still is an honour and privilege to be associated with this very important local charity. I’ve seen first-hand the dreams they have seen to fruition for many people, the special memories they have created for their families even though many of them have lost their own fight against cancer. Long may it continue.

Thank you Eve Merton for your legacy and the opportunity to be a part of it.

My name is Sarah Maye and I am married to a wonderful man called Kevin and have two grown up children Liam and Emma .

We all know someone affected by Cancer and for me this really hit home when in November 2013 I was given the news that turned my world upside down when I was diagnosed with Stage 2 breast cancer, 2 operations, 6 rounds of chemo, 20 sessions of radiotherapy and 5 years of hormone therapy. The utter devastation it caused for me personally and my family and friends is indescribable but we all dug deep and together we decided there were 2 options – 1. Role over and take it or 2. Get up and fight it and there was only one option, so together we battled.

In August 2015 I became involved with the Doncaster Cancer Support Drop in which was founded by a wonderful lady and dear friend Marie Caygill whom I met whilst undergoing chemo. It was at one of the drop in sessions that I found out about the Eve Merton Dreams Trust. Marie and I often talked about our hopes and dreams and one of mine was to hold a Pink Themed party to thank everyone who had supported me and given me the strength to carry on when I felt there was no point, to continue to raise awareness into Breast Cancer and to Celebrate life. My dream was fulfilled in October 2015. The feeling that I got from the evening was amazing and I immediately knew I wanted to be part of the team.

It is a privilege and an honour to be a trustee I look forward to working with the team and the people of Doncaster, to give them the opportunity to escape even if for just a short while from the nightmare there are living in and to give them something to smile about.

Ambassador of Eve Merton family

I’m Eve Merton’s daughter and I couldn’t be prouder. We’re a family originally from London but we have made Doncaster our home.

Me and my mum would go shopping together every week in the town but we particularly loved the Market where mum worked for many years before retiring. I miss my mum everyday and I know many other people do too.

In 2010/11 I watched my mum fight this terrible disease called Cancer, a fight she lost in January 2011. I will remember her for the great stuff she did in her community & and the way she lived her life. The Eve Merton’s Dreams Trust or Eves Trust as it’s become known is a group of family & friends that honours my mums memory by helping local people fight the fight that she faced.

I was born and raised in Doncaster, and I reside with my partner of 16 years and our two teenage daughters. Like many in our community, I’ve always desired to contribute to raising funds for those in need. My commitment extends beyond organizing; I actively participate in various fundraising events, from half and full marathons to challenging endeavors like marathon madness.

My journey towards founding the Eve Merton Dreams Trust began when I had the privilege of meeting Martin around late 2009, through my partner. Martin, a dedicated fundraiser for numerous charities, particularly those focused on cancer, inspired me with his unwavering dedication. I witnessed firsthand the devastating impact that cancer can have, not only on individuals but also on their loved ones. I’ve experienced the pain of losing dear ones to this dreadful disease, and I currently have family members undergoing treatment.

Martin’s experiences, including the heartbreaking loss of his mother, Eve, drove us to create EvesTrust. With his fundraising expertise and my passion for making a difference, we embarked on this journey together. I’m immensely proud of what EvesTrust has achieved, including being recognized as Doncaster Chamber Charity of the Year in 2022. There’s no one I’d rather have founded this charity with than Martin, whose relentless drive to raise funds and grant dreams or fulfill wishes is truly remarkable.

We’ve been fortunate to receive tremendous support from our close-knit circle, for which we’re deeply grateful. Now, we’re reaching out to the people of Doncaster, urging them to join us in supporting the Eve Merton Dreams Trust. Together, we can make a significant impact on the lives of those who need it most in our local community. Your support is invaluable, and we look forward to fulfilling dreams and spreading hope far and wide.

Co. Founder and Head of Development & Fundraising since 2011

I am the youngest son of Eve Merton’s 4 children. I spent the 3 years prior to setting up our charity raising money for different charities in numerous different events, mainly within my BT background. In that time I managed to raise just over £16,000, for charities such as Marie Curie Cancer Care, McMillan, Sheffield Children’s Hospital and the Yorkshire Heart Surgery, to name a few.

Due to my charity work I have been lucky enough to be nominated and even win awards that I am very proud of, these include being twice runner-up in the Doncaster Unsung Hero Award sponsored by Keepmoat, a BT Community Champion Award and also winning a “Pride of Doncaster” Award for Fundraiser of the Year 2011.

After witnessing first hand my own mothers unsuccessful but brave fight against Cancer I decided it was time to focus my attentions into creating and running a charity baring my mothers name. The charity would aim to raise monies from donations, initially in a range of organised events, to help create a dream / wish for other terminally and seriously ill Cancer patients suffering the same cruel effects she did.

My desire and passion to make this a reality was further fuelled by the support of family and numerous friends. One close friend in particular that shared my passion to do something to help make a difference was Clynton Johnson. Clynton (Trust Co. Founder) was key to help make this Dream a reality. I know for sure, his determination will leave myself, and many more people that we help with this charity, owing Clynt a huge debt of gratitude that we could never really repay. Together with Clynt I hope we can do in my mother’s death, as she did in life, and help as many people as we can, all in the name of Eve Merton.

I’m sorry after the debunking surgery and tests have been done the brain tumour it’s a grade 4 glioblastoma and it’s terminal. The world just seemed to stop at that moment Jackie took the news unbelievably well her first thoughts were of her kids and all through her battle always were . Jackie had one wish for us to be married. This is where the Evestrust entered our lives. With a huge effort and many last minute changes we had a dream wedding with family and loved ones around us . During the day I had a moment one that will never leave me. I’d been outside for some air when I entered the room nobody noticed and for a brief moment I looked round the room and there where tears everyone was smiling and laughing and I saw Jackie at our table surrounded by loved ones no one was fussing round her or asking if she was ok and in that moment the cancer wasn’t there no pain she was just wearing the most beautiful smile I have seen.

This is when I understood Evestrust saying it’s all about the smiles . Jackie passed away only months later , during her illness we had been happy to share our story with the hope it would help the trust and at that time our little thank you to all the people who were helping making our dream a reality. from the start it was Clynton who we were in contact with, a friendship and a bond was made . After the dream we stayed in contact he call or pop and visit up until the very end, he could always make Jackie smile and cheer her up and was often a real comfort for me,  I could have a chat and be myself which is difficult when caring for someone as you are careful not to let your guard down for fear of worrying those closest to you,  when they should be making the time left with Jackie. It meant so much to the family and myself when Clynton came to the funeral. my personal journey with the trust starts from this point. I always said I’d be happy to the trust in any way I could whether fund raising , spreading awareness or just helping moving stuff to events etc.

I wanted to let them all know I appreciated what they had done. I was given the opportunity and even now it always feels such a privilege to be even the smallest part of anything they are doing. aidy crewe my bro and best man was keen to help too, we did discos put sound and lighting at events and loved being apart of it, and seeing what it meant to people it’s heartwarming.  I have drove a support van during marathon madness I didn’t think I was doing much but meant a lot to the team I’d given a bit of my time , I jumped out a plane to raise a few bob, rowed in the dragon boat race , helped out where I could at legends game I’ve even just took bits to tip to help out my favourite is being apart of a presentation to one call who helped out a lot for our dream the guys knew I wanted to somehow show my appreciation for the part they played and they made it possible for me it was so nice to present a bouquet of flowers and in person just say a simple thank you. what means the though by a long way is during all this I’ve got to meet all the team and becoming friends with them all, the trust is so much more than a group of people helping others and who often put their own personal lives and time to one side, they are a family one I’m massively proud to be apart of. getting to know them away from the trust as a part of their daily lives , birthdays and celebrations the pop in say hi and a brew or just a chat has been a sometimes much needed lift and source of strength. The support through a couple rough spots I’ve had has been amazing .being an official volunteer is my way of showing my commitment to not only a wonderful charity but also in my own way of saying thank you to the beautiful people who run it, and it’s also a way to thank everyone who raises funds, awareness, donates and supports the charity without it Jackie and I wouldn’t have had our dream wedding.

UK Estimating and Sales Support Manager

I have been a close friend of Martin’s for over 15 years and considered Eve not just my friend’s mum, but a friend in her own right. I saw first-hand the bravery with which she fought the disease and the dignity with which she carried herself right up until the end.

Like most people, I have also lost family members to cancer and having helped the Trust in small ways up to now, like running the Edinburgh Marathon and partaking in several of the events, I want to help the charity push on in any way I can (excluding the Skydive!).

Inspired by my good friends Martin, Clynt and all the EMDT team I am sure we can spread the message further still, raise more money – and most importantly, help as many people out there as possible.

Photographer & Volunteer at Eve Merton Dreams Trust

Charity, truth and brotherly love are my core principles and to become the best person I can be is my life goal.

I feel grateful to help those less fortunate than myself and through Eves Trust I am able to do this readily as they provide support for local people suffering from cancer and also give support the families of these people in their Doncaster based charity.

Having lost my mother and several friends to cancer I can see the pain it brings to all those effected. It truly is an awful disease but charities like Eve Merton Dream Trust do bring some respite to those in need. It is humbling to be around such a selfless team of caring folk.

Having worked as a photographer for 30 years in the area, I feel it is a great thing to also give something back to the community that has supported me.

Thank you & best wishes
Andy

Director & Lead Photographer of “Andrew Kelly Photography”

Hi, I’m Andrew Kelly and I’m excited about joining the Eve Merton team providing photography for the dreams they fulfill and the fundraising events that make them possible. From picking up a camera last year photography has very quickly taken over my life, to the point where I feel it won’t be long until I can make it a full time career.

I first heard of the Eve Merton Dreams Trust when a family friend suggested I helped out with the photography at the Legends football match in May. I felt so proud being part of a team that raised thousands of pounds for a charity focused on something that has affected so many, including my own family and friends. It’s also the way that the charity engages with the community through it’s events which I find special, not only do the Trust’s supporters get to share in the knowledge that they’re helping a noble cause, they’re having a great time while they do!

Full Time Mum

My name is Claire Louise Graham I am 27 years old . I am happily married to my soul mate Scott and I am a full time mum to our four young children. I have lived in Doncaster all of my life.

Sadly Cancer has affected a lot of people who I care about deeply and one person in particular who is very important to me. The Eve Merton Dreams Trust is an amazing charity,  When someone is diagnosed with Cancer it’s not just physically that they are affected. The sadness and devastation it causes is beyond describable and this charity creates some happiness for people who really deserve it. It creates an everlasting happy memory, so that in the middle of all the pain and hurt they can smile. To be part of such an wonderful heart-warming charity is a complete honour.

Like most people today, I have seen the devastation cancer causes. It doesn’t care who it affects, or when it affects them, and I feel so passionate about being able to help people who have been and are going through such a difficult time. From the moment I heard about The Eve Merton Dreams Trust my passion to help has just kept on growing.

Hi, my name is Shiree and I am a registered mental health nurse (RMN) with 20 years experience in the field of mental health.

I first started volunteering with Eves Trust in 2013 after I attended the first ever ‘Legends Game’!

I knew Clynton and Martin personally through friends, however sadly I’d never met Eve.  I was fascinated at how much the charity was doing for others.

Claire (Graham) and I knew each other and wanted to help however we could, so we spoke to our local school and started holding raffles at Christmas fayres, creating competitions, and trying to raise funds for the charity.

Since then I have competed in a charity boxing match with my sister, I’ve skydived, competed in dragon boat racing, I’ve stood in schools and spoken to children about the charity and how they can help and I even spent my 30th birthday volunteering at the 2014 Legends game!

My husband Jason and I have helped create countless dreams for people and I’m proud to say many of those people are now also friends.

My children Bailey and Aiden have grown up fundraising themselves and are both involved with supporting Evestrust, from being youth ambassadors for the Youth Group, to helping at events and with dreams, with one about to complete the skydive himself!

The charity is an extended family, a family who wants to help those in need. And I am proud to be part of such a caring, wonderful, special family.

Upon entering the pageant circuit, I found myself having a number of charities thrust upon me. This has always been something I have been wary of as you never know where your hard earned money or the funds you have raised are going. I also feel that other charities have a habit of forgetting people as they are run on a large and national scale.

After learning about the Eve Merton Dreams Trust, a Doncaster based charity for Doncaster based people and what it does for said people, I immediately wanted to get on board. It is a truly amazing non-profit organisation run by volunteers, that uses all funds raised to make the dreams of individuals come true. From weddings to theatre trips these incredible people work hard to make wishes happen, for the people who need them and I am honoured and proud to be part of the EvesTrust family.

My name is Kevin , married to Sarah who is a Trustee and together we have 2 amazing grown up children, Liam and Emma.
In 2013 my wife was diagnosed with stage 2 Breast Cancer and at the end of her treatment she was lucky enough to have her dream granted by the trust, it was the first time in almost 2 years that I had really seen her smile and I knew that despite everything she had gone through my wife was back.

Seeing the buzz Sarah gets from being around the team and the just and the sense of achievement she gets from working with the people of Doncaster has rubbed off on me, so I am excited to come on aboard as a volunteer and look forward to helping out wherever I can.

Hi, my name is shakira. I decided to volunteer for the Evestrust after they granted my father In laws dream before his passing last year. What the trust did and the memories they made for our families will live on. I’ve been wanting to give back for quite some time and all I could think of was how I can help another family create their dream. So here I am today an official volunteer for the Evestrust, a dream maker for the families in need.

Hi I’m Gary Dixon, I was first introduced to EvesTrust when I became the partner of Gill Johnson. I have seen the charity flourish over the years and have had minor involvement and supported from the background. I am a joiner by trade and decided I would like to become a volunteer and offer my services, not just as a joiner/handyman but also for my well known skills for communicating with anyone and everyone !!!!! I think most people have been directly or indirectly affected by the effects of cancer, I’m just happy to be a part of helping to deliver dreams to create wonderful, happy memories.

So I’m sure you’ll see me hanging around at event stalls and helping deliver dreams, come and say hi I’m not as scary as I look.

I’d like to introduce myself as Lauren Hakin, also known as Lozza by a lot of the team we call family. I am a mother of one and hope one day she can follow in my footsteps to make a difference to those who appreciate it.

In the 20 years of my life, I’ve learnt life can be terribly cruel, so what more of a pleasure would it be to be able to take part in making memories and dreams come true for those who need us. I see this as such a big privilege, and something I can be proud that I’ve been part of.

Sadly I have had a few people close to me suffer with cancer, and I’ve experienced the grief of losing someone and wishing I could’ve done more. So this is my chance to help do more, for those I do not know and am yet to meet, I will be forever grateful to know I can make a difference in the life’s of people who need us.

I cannot explain how proud I feel to be part of this magical journey, and even more proud to keep this charity growing. I aspire to be as strong as those who are diagnosed and continue to battle, I can’t wait to be part of the memories that help change lives and leave memories that will last a life time for the family’s of those battling.

Nothing is more of an honour than being part of The Eve Merton Dreams Trust family, I have done legends for what has just been the third year (2019), and this year I’ve made a promise to myself to become an official. Dreams do come true!!

My name is Kayleigh I am happily married with 3 children a beautiful little girl Ava and two young boisterous boys Jack and Harry.

I started my career nursing at Doncaster Royal infirmary in 2011 and continued working in haematology until 2019 and now more recently have moved to a Practice Nurse role in a GP practice.

I can honestly say I am proud to be a nurse and feel honoured to do a job I love so much.

I first heard about Eves Trust when they completed a dream request for a family on my ward while I was on shift “Jodie’s Dream” Having nursed this patient and spent time with her family I was so touched by the Charity and the happiness it brought to this family when things were so bad.

I was then contacted by Claire to help arrange a meeting for the iPad set up scheme “The dream that keeps on giving” it was then that I took on the role of acting link for the trust I initiated the iPads on our ward and still continue to monitor them throughout. Seeing first-hand the effects of cancer treatments is heart breaking for not only the patient but their family. Being a mother myself makes me realise even more so how precious every minute is with those you love. Cancer Treatments often results in life threatening infections resulting in isolation and restrictions on visiting and family contact, so it was refreshing to be able to offer patients this service to FaceTime / Skype their loved ones, shop online, keep In touch on social media sites or just occupy their long days browsing the internet.

Often as a nurse I find I want to offer my patients the world to make them feel better however I’m only too aware of the limitations in my nursing role to do this.

Working alongside Eve Merton Dreams trust I am given the opportunity to help give cancer patients that little bit extra to make them smile or leave them with a nice memory that often feels so distant for them during treatment. It is an honour to work alongside the members of this trust and I’m still in awe of the hard work they put in and the happiness they bring so selflessly to much family’s when cancer has destroyed the only happiness they know.

Evestrust is more than just a charity it’s a Family and more recently I have been able to pull in my family, my daughter Ava has recently helped on the Evestrust Community clean up. She loved every minute of it and went on to tell all her friends and teachers at school about the amazing work the charity does.

I’m Sara, around work I spend my time with my family looking after our many animals. I decided to volunteer for Evestrust after my sister in law Gemma passed away. She had received a dream from the charity and she also volunteered for them too. Cancer had affected my family way before this though having lost two Auntie’s to cancer in my early teens and my Dad and another Auntie also having had cancer but currently both clear and doing well. I saw how much the dream Gemma got meant to her and I love the fact that I can help to pass that joy on to others that are suffering from cancer but also to their families too for lasting memories.

Hi I’m Jamie, I love animals and have rescued many including horses, goats, dogs and a rabbit. Evestrust helped my sister Gemma gain a purpose again after having to leave her dream job due to cancer and also had her dream come true because of them. The charity has gone above and beyond for my family whilst Gemma was with us and even after she had passed away. To be able to give back to the charity that means so much to us as a family is an honour.

My name is Hanif. I am married with 2 very cheeky children.

Back in April 2019 I decided it was time for me and my children to do something for the community and do some voluntary work. This is when I contacted Clynton Johnson to ask if he knew of anywhere we could volunteer and help out. This is when Clynton welcomed us with open arms and suggested the Legends Game 2019. This is when it all started. The buzz from the voluntary work I did gave me the drive to do more for the charity. I then decided I wanted to do more for the EvesTrust in my own time from home. I now make home made reed diffusers and for every sale I donate to the EvesTrust.

The work that the EvesTrust do day in and day out is amazing and inspiring. It has been an absolute honour to volunteer and donate to the trust. The charity is close to my heart and it’s a privilege to be part of the EvesTrust family. I look forward to the next Legends day and future events. Let’s keep the charity growing and making dreams come true.

I’m Alan Knowles, known to most as Knowlesy or Big Al. I was born and bred in Doncaster and proud to still call it my home, therefore this local charity means a lot to me. I have been lucky enough to participate in the annual Legends charity football match for several years running. Through this incredible event, I was able to gain a real insight into the fantastic work the Eve Merton Dreams Trust offers. I have also been able to experience first hand the real difference they can make to families, at such difficult times. I was delighted to be invited to join such a special local charity, as charity secretary. I hope to facilitate the ongoing wonderful work this charity does in and around Doncaster for the people of Doncaster.

Hi I’m Gill Johnson, I live and work in Doncaster and am the very proud Mum of 2 wonderful, caring sons, and 4 fabulous grandchildren (yes I’m biased), one of those sons being Clynton, one of Eves Trust co-founders.

I have followed and supported Clynton and Martin from day 1, along with the volunteers, who are all unsung heroes in my book.

The commitment and foresight of the trustees and volunteers is absolutely amazing and humbling.

Our own family have lost a number of close family and friends to cancer, which has a devastating effect on everyone, it’s the love and memories we all hold onto strongly and close to our hearts.

In 2021 I was asked to stand for the Treasurer role, which was sanctioned and approved by the trustees, what a good decision you made☺.

I’m looking forward to supporting the team of EvesTrust from the back room and front-line when needed to enable us to deliver many dreams for many years to come and provide the ongoing support to all affected by cancer.

Hi my names Demi-mae but everyone calls be Demi. Born in Doncaster and still here now! I love to travel and seeing what the world has to offer. 

I’ve grown up learning that there’s more to life than sitting on a Playstation or watching Netflix in my spare time. I can use my time more wisely to help others who need it, especially when time may no longer be on their side.

I am delighted to be joining the team at The Eve Merton Dreams Trust as a volunteer. So now it’s time for me to help do more, I hope I can make an impact on those in need of a dream coming true.

My name is Baileigh-Jade and I’ve volunteered for The Eve Merton Dreams Trust for a few years now mainly helping at the annual legends event, Only recently getting more involved with things such as dreams. I chose to volunteer for Evestrust as I feel it’s a privilege to be a part in helping others making dreams come true for those who need it most! I’ve experienced losing people through cancer and seen the devastating effects the disease can have on people and their friends and family, so to be a part of helping give back to these people suffering with this is so rewarding. It has been an absolute pleasure to volunteer and be a part of the Evestrust family!

My name is Adele. I am 54, married to Steven and have 3 grown up children and adorable grandchildren. 

I am a Deputy store manager at B&M where I work full time so kept Very busy. I love music, watching comedies, spending time socialising with friends,  crafting and spending time away in my touring caravan. 

My daughter Lauren has volunteered for this wonderful charity for a while now and I thought rather  than following the Trust journey  I would become part of the family and give my time to something worth while and rewarding.  I can’t wait to create dreams for deserving people/families in our area.

Hi, I’m Jason and I have supported Evestrust since 2013 along with my wife Shiree and our children.

I am a registered nurse associate and about to qualify to become a mental health nurse.

I have been involved in the creation of many ‘dreams’ for people in Doncaster and helped out with events and fundraising. More recently I have become involved with the social fundraising for Evestrust which is something I am excited to be able to do.