Our Team
The people behind the purpose
Our team and trustees are united by a shared commitment to improving lives in Eastern Uganda.
Elspeth Robinson MBE
Founder, Chairwoman & Fundraiser
Elspeth Robinson MBE is a former physiotherapist with nearly 40 years of experience, whose career took a life-changing turn following redundancy in 2002. What began as a single visit to Kumi Hospital in eastern Uganda evolved into a lifelong commitment to supporting some of the most vulnerable communities in the region.
Over more than two decades and nearly 30 visits, Elspeth has led the development of the Kumi Community Foundation, transforming a small rehabilitation effort into a registered charity delivering community-based support to individuals living with disability and malnutrition in extreme poverty.
Awarded an MBE in the King’s Honours for her services to disabled people in Kumi, Elspeth’s work has had a lasting impact, extending far beyond clinical care to create sustainable, community-led change.
Lynn Fletcher
Secretary
A qualified teacher and Educational Psychologist (BA, MSc, PGCE), Lynn completed her career as a Principal Educational Psychologist in the North East of England before retiring in 2012.
She now serves as Secretary of Kumi Community Foundation.
After meeting Elspeth in Kumi in 2015 while volunteering, she was inspired by the life-changing impact of the charity’s work and played a key role in helping KCF become a registered charity in 2019. With a lifelong focus on supporting children with additional needs, she is passionate about improving the health, dignity and opportunities of young people in Uganda.
In retirement, she remains actively involved in voluntary work within her local community, alongside family life and a love of the outdoors and crafts.
Hannah Meeson
Trustee
After graduating from Newcastle University in 1993 with a BA (Hons) in Politics and History, Hannah began her career working on DofEE-funded projects before overcoming significant personal health challenges that ultimately reshaped her path. Following a successful spinal surgery, she went on to work closely with a spinal surgeon, supporting patients and promoting his practice.
Her connection to Kumi began in 2020 during a volunteer trip with Wheels for the World, where she met Elspeth and experienced the impact of Kumi Community Foundation first-hand. Inspired by the work, she joined as a Trustee and has since played a key role in fundraising, communications, and organising wheelchair distribution camps.
Passionate about making a difference, she is proud to support KCF’s mission while balancing family life and a love of the outdoors.
Emma Peart
Treasurer
Emma Peart is a former GP with over 20 years’ experience, qualifying from Nottingham University in 1991 and later becoming a partner at a practice in Middleton St George. Since retiring from General Practice in 2014, she has remained actively involved in leadership roles, including serving as Vice Chairman of the Board of Governors at Queen Margaret’s School.
Emma discovered Kumi Community Foundation in 2025 and was immediately struck by the scale of its impact. With a long-standing connection to Africa through travel and charitable fundraising, she felt a strong personal alignment with the Foundation’s mission and now supports the charity as Treasurer.
Her passion for helping others, combined with her professional and financial oversight experience, makes her a valuable part of the KCF team.
Michele Herdman
Trustee
Michele Herdman has a background in Primary Health Care and holds a Master of Medical Science (M.Med.Sci). Now retired, she serves as a Trustee of Kumi Community Foundation.
Michele is deeply passionate about supporting the women at the heart of Kumi’s communities - mothers, grandmothers, and caregivers who often raise children with disabilities in extremely challenging circumstances. With little support and significant hardship, many are left to provide for their families alone.
Through KCF, Michele champions initiatives that empower these women with practical skills and opportunities, from tailoring to animal husbandry, helping them build sustainable livelihoods and create brighter futures for their families.
Lynne Williams
Trustee
Lynne Williams is a retired Registered Nurse whose career began in 1982, spanning roles across Intensive Care, Rehabilitation, Palliative Care and Minor Injuries. She later spent 15 years supporting adults with physical and learning disabilities.
Lynne first met Elspeth through her volunteering at Able Day Service and was inspired to join her in Uganda. Since her first visit in 2016, she has been deeply moved by the resilience of the Kumi community and the challenges faced by those living with disability in remote, underserved areas.
Having witnessed the charity’s impact first-hand, Lynne is passionate about supporting KCF’s community-based rehabilitation work, ensuring vital equipment and support reaches those who need it most.
Lynne Mosher
Treasurer
Lynne is an experienced Occupational Therapist with more than 25 years working across the NHS and private sector, specialising in areas including learning disabilities, postural care, and rehabilitation services. She currently supports neurodiverse students within an academy trust, helping young people overcome barriers and achieve their potential.
Lynne first became involved with Kumi Community Foundation in 2017 while volunteering in Kumi, Uganda. Inspired by the work of founder Elspeth Robinson MBE, she later helped register KCF as a UK charity in 2019 and has since served as Treasurer, supporting the charity’s ongoing development and sustainability.
Outside of work, she enjoys ballroom dancing, hiking, singing in her church choir, and spending time with her three children.