Meet the Team

The Sunnywood Project: It takes a whole team to deliver our enjoyable, high quality, challenging, and educational outdoor adventures.

Meet the Team: Meet the Team

Marc Young
Education & Youth Service Director

Marc has always been passionate about the benefits of the great outdoors. He began his running journey in 2010 and enjoys running ultras.

Having been a Subject Leader for Drama for over 13 years and a Head of Year for four years, Marc is passionate about providing young people with opportunities to benefit their mental, physical and social wellbeing.

Sammy Deas
Creative Director & Family Engagement Coordinator

Sammy is an award winning artist and is passionate about getting the community to explore the outdoors in new and innovative ways. There is nothing better than being outdoors surrounded by nature.

Steven Ticehurst
DofE (LO) & Operations Manager

In continuous pursuit of adventure, Ste’s hikes have taken him from the costal redwoods of California to the summit of Snowdon. He firmly believes in combining the mental and physical benefits of outdoor exploration with responsible stewardship and youth education.

Off the trails, Ste has years of experience in youth service with Hertfordshire County Council's Youth Service delivering the Duke of Edinburgh Award and the National Citizen Service, in addition to having worked as a secondary school Pastoral Manager. A Hill and Moorland Leader, Ste is a member of the British Mountaineering Council and a Registered Member of the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) as a Person-Centred Counsellor.

Dean Corrie
Events Coordinator

Explore, escape, enjoy. The outdoors is an amazing place for discovery of both nature and yourself, something great when shared with others.

Dean is a MTA qualified Summer Mountain Leader and a UK Athletics Hill, Fell, and Mountain qualified LiRF run leader, and qualified Guide Runner. Dean is a member of the Mountain Training Association (MTA) and the British Mountaineering Council (BMC). A keen ultra marathon runner and long distance walker, with thousands' of miles worth of experience, undertaking many organised events and solo adventures.

Lou Shield
Youth & Community Engagement Manager

I've been volunteering down at The Burrs for over five years and managed to keep the run going virtually during lockdown which is when I discovered The Sunnywood Project.

As a teacher, I love what they stand for and look forward to volunteering with them when I can. I feel privileged to be part of such an amazing group whilst enjoying the beautiful scenery on our doorstep.

Jane Emanuel
Activity Leader

I've been a keen walker for many years and am happy to share my love of the outdoors with others. I'm retiring soon from full time teaching so that I can spend more time outdoors. I walk many local routes and also travel further afield to Yorkshire, the Peak District and the Lakes. I'm a big fan of the National Trails, with ambitions to walk them all; so far I have covered the Cleveland Way and half of the South West Coast Path. Next up will be Hadrian's Wall.

I'm also an experienced Duke of Edinburgh leader and am looking forward to encouraging more young people to enjoy the outdoors through activities with The Sunnywood team.

John Southworth
Volunteer Run Leader

The outdoors is your great escape, whether you are walking or running there’s always an adventure to be had.

As the old saying goes, “There’s no such thing as bad weather, only unsuitable clothing”. So, if you’re going out into the great outdoors what could be better than doing it with a like-minded group of people. Socialise, exercise, and explore.

Donna Sherman
Volunteer Hike Leader

I signed up for my first Sunnywood hike just under a year ago and haven’t looked back since. The last 12 months have been filled with exciting challenges, stunning views, entertaining memories and lasting friendships.

I feel proud to be part of the Sunnywood team and look forward to meeting you on some new adventures in the great outdoors!

George
Volunteer Hike Leader & DofE Leader

Now we are steadily climbing uphill. We've had a brilliant day finding the best route, going down country lanes, climbing stiles, looking for footpaths across fields, walking through woods and being out in the fresh air. The mist has come down so now we are using the map and compass and working together to find the best way down. It's been a brilliant day.

Sacha R
Volunteer Run Leader

Why would you want to be inside when we have the woods, trails and moors on our doorstep?

The scenery is ever changing and no two runs or walks are ever the same . There’s no better way to start or end the day exploring and enjoying the scenery and wildlife.

Grant Adams
Volunteer Hike Leader & DofE Leader

An avid MCFC fan and frustrated guitar student, Grant loves nothing more than being with his grandson. He also gets great pleasure from helping out on guided hikes with the Sunnywood Team with like minded people. There is always something new to explore and discover.

Lisa Riley
Volunteer Run Leader

In October 2020 I decided to try something different and try running with the Sunnywood Project even though I am not a runner.

Running with this group has given me the confidence to run routes and distances I never thought I would ever achieve. I now love running outdoors in the amazing countryside right on our doorstep.

Paul Stevens
Volunteer Run Leader

Information coming soon

Morag Finch
Volunteer Run & Hike Leader
DofE Award Verifier

I have always enjoyed the countryside and through the Sunnywood Project have been given the opportunity to be more adventurous taking on the Yorkshire 3 peaks hike and west pennine way.

Everyone involved has been so welcoming and friendly and I’m proud to be joining the team to help them continue to grow

Susan Sawbridge
Volunteer Run & Hike Leader

I love being outdoors as it keeps me both physically and mentally balanced and I get to enjoy the stunning countryside on our doorstep. Added bonus is that it gets me out of housework!

Being part of a group allows me to be more adventurous than I would otherwise be.