meet the team
Dan Curtis
Dan is the founder and Director of Active Hope. He was a primary school teacher who retrained as an outdoor instructor. Dan is passionate about giving children and young people new opportunities, and he loves the challenge and excitement of our work.
Director of Operations
Paul Cannell
Paul has been part of our team for over 10 years, first as a volunteer, and now as a staff member. Starting off as an instructor in archery, climbing, water sports and mountain biking, Paul now spends most of his time organising our events, and fundraising.
Projects Manager
Lynsey Atherton
Lynsey is our Office Manager. She has worked with Active Hope for more than 11 years.She initially started volunteering on our Adventure Academy project and got hooked! Lynsey now works as our Office Manager - providing the essential admin and organisation behind all of our projects.
Office Manager
Andy Watts
Andy has been involved with Active Hope since 2011, when he joined us on placement as part of his university degree. He continued as a volunteer for a season, and is now an employed member of staff, supporting all aspects of our work. Andy thrives on working with our Primary School groups, particularly through our residential season. He loves to instruct archery and is also qualified in climbing and water sports.
Instructor
Gaz Pemberton
Gaz, just like Lynsey, first came to us as a volunteer on an Adventure Academy project...and is now a full time staff member! Gaz loves being outside, loves being busy, and adores pushing himself to the max!!!
Instructor
Rach Addison
Rach joined the team last year after spending some time working as a PE apprentice in a local primary school.
She has already qualified as an archery instructor and paddlesport leader!
Instructor
Hannah Bolger
Our latest member of staff, who joined us this summer. Having had some previous experience working in an outdoor centre in Wales, and then alongside a local secondary school supporting and mentoring, we are excited to welcome Hannah onto team
Instructor
Mike Ryder
Mike is an extremely well qualified instructor who specialises in watersports. He not only works with our children and young people, but is also a recognised coach - teaching other instructors. As well as his love for all things aquatic, he loves our small group mentoring sessions.