The team & the board

Meet the extraordinary people behind our cause – the passionate individuals truly making a difference, one step at a time.

The driving force behind The Wave Project’s impact is our passionate team of professionals and dedicated board members. From our beginnings in 2010 as the world’s first government-funded surf therapy programme, we’ve expanded nationwide – now operating across England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and even in London.

Our staff members and trained volunteer surf mentors have helped provide life-changing Surf Therapy to more than 12,000 young people to date.

 

Head Office

Ramon Van de Velde

Ramon Van de Velde

Chief Executive Officer

I am very proud to lead the amazing team at The Wave Project. As the parent of a teenage daughter who has faced serious challenges I know the impact that nature and our work can have on them, and I am very driven to support ever more children with Surf Therapy and the healing powers of the ocean.

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Siobhán Swift

Siobhán Swift

Head of Operations

I’m The Wave Project’s Head of Operations. I’m passionate about ensuring that all beneficiaries and volunteers, wherever they are in the country, experience the same, safe, high quality journey with the charity and am working hard to see us reach more young people.

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Viv Williamson

Viv Williamson

Head of Fundraising

I’m the strategic lead for Fundraising and Marketing at The Wave Project. I love creating innovative, long-term partnerships with our incredible supporters to ensure our projects across the UK are thriving. I’m on a mission to ensure as many children and young people can benefit from Surf Therapy sessions to boost their confidence, moral and overall mental health. I truly believe in the importance of blue space in order to do this effectively and how our highly skilled team here make this happen.

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Helen Sewell

Helen Sewell

Head of Finance

I’m the Head of Finance here at The Wave Project and manage finances and reporting of the charity and retail operations. I work hard to ensure everyone has the information and support needed to keep our boards on the water and feet in the sand. I am thrilled to be part of a team which is committed to delivering inclusive, safe and joy-filled Surf Therapy to young people across so many locations.

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Joy Corcec

Joy Corcec

Marketing Manager

I’m The Wave Project’s Marketing Manager and lead on communication, fundraising and marketing campaigns, online and offline, to support and grow audiences. I love telling engaging stories and highlighting the incredible impact our work can have on young people’s lives.

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Ed Connors

Ed Connors

Retail Operations Manager

I’m the Retail operations manager leading on our one-of-a-kind Pre-loved Wetsuit scheme and all things retail generating a sustainable income to help fund our Surf Therapy programmes. Driven by my own experiences and the benefits of nature I’m passionate about creating a positive impact on people and the planet.

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Mary Woodley

Mary Woodley

Fundraising Manager (On Maternity Leave)

I’m the Fundraising Manager at The Wave Project and help to support individual fundraisers, community groups, schools/universities, run local events, and lead on campaigns. I love meeting new people and building relationships by sharing my passion for the wonderful work that we do!

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Joanne M Bennett

Joanne M Bennett

Office & Operations Administrator

Based at HQ in Newquay, I provide administrative support and processes for The Wave Project services and beneficiaries.  It’s a privilege to be an advocate for our beneficiaries, working with an amazing team, partners and families across the UK.

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Laura Gee

Laura Gee

Marketing Assistant

I’m Laura, Marketing Assistant at The Wave Project. I create content for our social media channels and website, support the wider Fundraising and Marketing team with our annual campaigns, and keep you updated with all things Surf Therapy in our monthly newsletter!

I love highlighting the amazing stories from our young surfers and their families on the truly life-changing impact Surf Therapy has. I also love a ‘call to action’; so, get in touch to find out how you can support us to make a REAL difference to the lives and mental health of young people around the UK!

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Samuel Chapman

Samuel Chapman

IT Support Officer

Based at our HQ in Newquay, I’m proud to bring my IT experience to support the delivery of The Wave Project’s mission. Whether it’s troubleshooting tech issues or helping shape our future digital strategy, it’s a privilege to contribute behind the scenes. Outside of work, I’m passionate about surfing and love being part of a community that connects people with the ocean. I’ve also worked with other charities focused on safety and wellbeing at sea, which deepens my appreciation for the work we do here.

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Jessica Suckling

Jessica Suckling

Fundraising Coordinator

As Fundraising Assistant, I help the team with our amazing supporters and all things fundraising. Living by the sea has hugely helped my own wellbeing and I’m a big advocate for the benefits of blue spaces, so I’m super excited to be part of an amazing charity that shares the power of the ocean and help us to provide surf therapy to even more young people.

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Laura Taylor

Laura Taylor

Finance Officer

I manage the financial operations for The Wave Project. I work closely with all departments – working with operations processing all transactions and also supporting the leadership team to help inform decision making and improve financial processes. I have a chronically ill and medically complex son and two young daughters who have all faced significant challenges over the last 10 years – I feel very proud to be helping other young people living through similar experiences.

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Al Eves

Al Eves

Corporate Fundraising Lead

I am passionate about forming lasting and impactful relationships with the business community throughout the UK. Living by the sea, I’ve enjoyed the calming benefits of blue spaces, and I am excited to work with the private sector to bring this to life for more young people than ever before.

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