Committee

Chair
Pat Cleary

Secretary
Don Wilkinson
Treasurer

Elsa Stewart


Members

Neil O'Toole

Ann Chatwin

Hefin Jones

Pam  Cotrell

Lauren Beech

Shanta Varsani

Lloyd Lee

Meet The Committe

Pat Cleary

I am a retired senior lecturer at what is now Cardiff Metropolitan University where I was among other things an active researcher (not medically related). Here is a list of some other occupations I have had over the years: Project manager, software engineer, car service manager, car mechanic, race car mechanic, bus driver. Just a selection. My sons, daughters-in-law and grandchildren keep me occupied. I am a keen walker and I volunteer at a heritage railway. My wife Sue, a retired District Nurse, had Parkinson's for many years and died in October 2020. I have been Chair of the Cardiff Branch since 2019.

Neil O'Toole

I am Neil O'Toole, I was born and educated in Cardiff. I retired eight years ago, having spent 38 years in banking. For the majority of my career I was based in London. Since retiring I have enjoyed having the opportunity to take on a range of roles across the charity sector including treasurer of a food bank; director of a social enterprise in East London which supports and rehabilitates ex offenders; as well as Secretary of the Cardiff Branch of Parkinson’s UK until 2022. I live in Radyr with my wife Elaine and our three daughters and four granddaughters are never very far away. I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 2015. I am an advocate of exercise to help tackle Parkinson's and enjoy hill walking, cycling, table tennis and football (I am proud to be a member of the Wales PD football team). I am a student of Cardiff University where I am studying Spanish.   

Elsa Stewart

I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in November 2022. I was keen to make contact with other people with the same diagnosis and joined the Cardiff branch at their Café Morning in December 2022. I have become a member of the committee and am in the process of taking on the role of Treasurer for the branch. I have two grown up children living close by in Cardiff and two grandchildren who keep me on my toes.For many years I worked in the accounts department of legal firms retiring in September 2022. I have always tried to keep myself fit and am determined to continue with as many activities as I can manage to help with my condition. To that end I participate in a couple of fitness classes, Nordic walking and table tennis on a weekly basis. I also try and swim once a week, use an exercise bike daily, cycle where I can and am part of a crew taking part in cruiser racing on a 30-foot yacht.I am very proud of the fact that I gained Welsh swimming records in my age group while I was a member of Cardiff Masters Swimming Club. Sadly, a broken arm has reduced the mobility in my right shoulder which means I have had to give up competitive swimming. Having taken up sailing in 2007 I bought a boat with a friend in August 2011. We took possession of the yacht (Blavigne) in Stockholm and had a real adventure sailing back to Cardiff over the next few months.

Shanta Varsani 

My name is Shanta Varsani and I am the wife of Dhanji Varsani who has Parkinson’s Disease.  His father is also a person with Parkinson.  A lot of my time is spent caring for both father and son. I am a Wellbeing & Empowerment Coach and Spiritual Teacher.  I currently work part time in my practice based in Cardiff.  I have been in the Alternative & Holistic field for most of my life.  Through my work, I facilitate several support groups within the Indian community and now I'll be running a Parkinson’s monthly café to raise awareness and to support service users, carers and family. Although I am a fairly new member of this Committee, I have been involved in the background alongside my husband since his diagnosis in 2012. I want to be the voice for the ethnic minority and represent those that would be unlikely to access support services such as Parkinson’s UK. Recently, I became part of a Research team funded by the World Health Organisation called ISupport. This project provides skills training, respite and social support for Carers, such as myself;  I want to be an advocate for Carers, by ensuring that they are looking after their mental health and well-being, I am mum to a son and daughter and Glammi to a delightful grandson (who I look after two days a week, whilst my daughter goes to work). I enjoy spending time with my grandson, he is my favourite fun time.  I also enjoy Esoteric pursuits, and all things spiritual, gardening,  taking long walks and spending time with my family. 

Lauren Beech

Hello my name is Lauren, I moved to Cardiff at the start of 2022 and instantly fell in love with the place. I have a degree in Jewellery and Product Design and am currently work as a Jewellery Designer. I signed up to be a committee member for the Cardiff Parkinson Branch as I wanted to help out and offer my support. My Nan was diagnosed with Parkinson's when younger and during school & university holidays I would go and help my grandad look after and support her. I am a very new member of the committee but am very much looking forward to helping to keep amazing branches like this running. 

Ann Chatwin

I was born in Birmingham where I trained in Secretarial and Administration working initially in the engineering industry but eventually moving to administration within the NHS. I became very involved with my local church, becoming a member of the PCC and sitting on a number of sub -committees, and the Mothers’Union both locally and within the Diocese. I retired 22 years ago and after caring for my parents for a number of years I was the sole family member remaining in Birmingham and my niece and nephew  suggested I move to Cardiff to be closer to them. I moved here in 2012 since when I have been diagnosed with Parkinson’s. I attend the LIFT sessions and the cafe as I believe exercise and talking to people to be very important. 

Hefin Jones

Hefin is a native of Aberystwyth and ran a newsagent shop there for many years. He was Chair of the Parkinson's Aberystwyth branch. On retiring he moved to Cardiff to be near his daughter. 


Pam Cottrell

Hello, my name is Pam Cottrell and I am a retired business woman that successfully run a small family business for more than 50 years. The name of the business my husband and I started in the early 70's is called Abbey Bookbinding & Printing Ltd and is now being run by my Son, Darren and is still successful and going strong! I still help out from time to time and I try to keep actively involved as much as I can. I am a proud Mum of 3 children and 7 grandchildren who keep me busy and active and I always look forward to spending time with them. My daughter emigrated to Australia 10 years ago and I enjoy travelling and regularly visiting her. I was born and raised in Cardiff and was diagnosed with Parkinson's in 2018. I try to involve myself with many Parkinson's events that various charities organise. I am looking forward to working with and meeting new people and hope I can help and assist wherever possible.