Meet the Trustees
PUBLISHED - 7th November 2025
As you may know, Torch is governed by a board of elected trustees who are responsible for making sure the charity is run effectively and in accordance with its purposes and goals. Our trustees are a lovely and varied team – some have served for many years, others are newer to Torch – and we thought you might like to get to know each of them a bit better!
Meet Tony Brown
I have been involved with Torch since 2009, initially as part of the leadership of Daventry Torch group and then as a trustee since July 2014. I have spoken at several holidays and Torch groups throughout the UK. My career background is in technology and business but I’ve also been in church leadership for many years including currently at Southam Community Church. I have been involved in preaching internationally and numerous trusteeships of Christian enterprises.
Meet Marilyn Baker
I have been part of Torch for many years, first as a new Christian attending their houseparties and now as a trustee and presenter of the Reflections radio programme. I love writing Christian songs to communicate my faith and Torch’s library books have often inspired me with ideas for lyrics. I live in Kent, sharing a house with my friend Tracy and my lovely guide dog, Arlo, and enjoy going to the seaside, cooking and being with friends.
Meet Ifeolu Akintunde
My name is Ifeolu Omoniyi Akintunde, but you can call me Ife. I grew up in Nigeria but came to Lancaster University, first for my masters as a Chevening Scholar, then a doctorate. I still live in Lancaster and now run a consultancy. I’ve known about Torch since primary school, when I used to receive The Torch and Searchlight magazines. Now, I am also trustee in my local church and the Overseas Fellowship of Nigerian Christians. In addition, I lead worship and serve as access officer for both organisations which are registered as Sight Loss Friendly Churches.
Meet Edith Townsend
I was brought up in a loving Christian family. I worked for some time in the civil service before going to university to study computing. I got involved with Torch, helping out during my long holidays. There I met my late husband, Mike, and together we set up a training scheme to train young blind people to live as independently as they could. I became a trustee of Torch in 2024.
Meet Sheila Armstrong
I first heard of Torch at boarding school in Edinburgh, where Christian staff had left braille Torch magazines lying around. I was curious, so went along to the Edinburgh Torch fellowship group, where I was delighted to f ind that I could serve the Lord by giving out their literature. I went on to work for Torch from 1976 to 2021, doing several challenging jobs, the last of which was producing its Christian radio programme, Reflections.
Meet Trevor Stammers
I am a retired academic and doctor, married to Rachel who runs her own gardening business. We both enjoy grandparenting our current set of 7 grandchildren with an age range of 7 months to 8 years. In 2010 I lost my sight suddenly and was completely blind for just over a month and partially sighted for 7 months after several operations at Moorfields Eye Hospital. Torch Trust was a great help at that time.
Meet Philip Rice
My first real involvement with Torch began after Covid, when I started attending Torch House Coffee Mornings, where I now help with the music. I then volunteered to help at Torch Together holidays and I’m currently looking forward to my 10th holiday. I feel very much at home as part of the Torch family. It’s a privilege to have been appointed as a trustee and I bring several years’ experience as an Information Systems Consultant to the role.
Meet Brian Anderson
I’ve been a trustee since 2023 and a Christian for 25 years. I live in Southampton with my wife, Sue, and have 2 adult children. I am a partner at Christchurch Southampton with a wonderfully active and supportive church family. I understand sight loss as I was born with cataracts and am partially sighted, and my wife has no vision. I have experience in education and related fields. I feel blessed to be able to support Torch Trust.