GUCH Patient Representative Group

Our role is to represent the views of GUCH patients and help shape the future of our Association. Our representatives are all patients and are elected annually by GUCH patients.

Who is the Patient Representative Group?

Beth Greenaway (Chairman)

I'm Beth Greenaway and I am 35 years old. I live in a small cottage in the beautiful Cornish countryside, just 6 miles away from my childhood home where my Mum still lives. I returned to Cornwall five years ago, after an eight year stint living and working in Florida. After summers like the one we have just had I definitely question the reasoning behind that relocation! I am extremely fortunate to be one of the more active GUCH's (in spite of a valve replacement two years ago), and enjoy all forms of exercise, especially swimming, cycling and running. I am also proud to be the vice-chairman of the GUCH walking club, which is increasing in popularity with its gradual and understanding approach to GUCH's and exercise capacity. Like so many, I first heard of GUCH when my health was at an all time low about four years ago years ago, but it was not until 2005 that I attended my first GUCH event (the National Conference in Southampton). I have been involved in quite a number of GUCH related activities since, and feel truly at home in this friendly and understanding community. Being a member of the PRG is giving me the opportunity to give back to the organisation and people who supported me (often without knowing it) through some frustrating and difficult times.

Mike Hocking

I'm Mike Hocking. I'm 39 and from Wigan, Lancashire. I joined GUCH about 4 years ago. Before that I had never heard of the charity. I started to deteriorate and was searching the web for answers when I came across the GUCH website.

I am a mechanical design engineer and have just started a new job. I support Wigan Rugby League, and along with my 12 year old daughter (Sophie) I'm a season ticket holder.

I tried to get on the then mancom last year. I am a member of the walking club, and have volunteered to help at various past GUCH events. I am looking forward to the challenge of taking the charity forward.

Antony Horner (Secretary)

I'm Antony, I live in Yorkshire, with My Parents and two dogs (a Cocker Spaniel, and West Highland Terrier). I have Tetralogy of Fallot plus some other stuff. I've been involved with GUCH since 1998, when I met Judy Shedden at an open day at my local GUCH unit. Shortly after that I took over the running of the Associations website.

When I'm not GUCHin' I work as an IT tutor/manager for a local charity. In my spare time I enjoy reading, listening to music and photography.

Judith Parker

I originally became involved in the very early days of GUCH when my then consultant Prof Jane Somerville explained her plans for GUCH and asked her to join her first few volunteers. How could I refuse? I had known Jane since 1966, yes I am getting old, and she has saved my life on more than one occasion, it was the least that I could do to repay her.

I started as one of the first contacts groups for Buckinghamshire and I was also elected onto the first committee of Mancom, all those years ago. Since then I have always been relatively involved in GUCH, some years putting more into it than others, depending on my health. Although I had met Linda Wood in 2000 at the Oxford European Conference, it was not until 2003 when we shared a room at The Heart Hospital that I became involved in GUCH News. Firstly I would write the occasional piece for her. Soon after she asked me if I would be her assistant and then in early 2006 I became Editor. I love my position as Editor; I just hope that other people feel that I am doing a good enough job with GUCH News.

Now that I am at the age of 46, yes I am old compared to most of you, I no longer have a career. My last position was with the Police Force and I learned a lot from them, so behave yourselves, I will be watching you! I live in Buckinghamshire with my husband Steven and our two cats, who I am sure, are more badly behaved than children at times - that's all three of them! Still live is good and I will do my very best while working for GUCH PRG.

Can I join the GUCH Patient Representative Group?

If you are a GUCH patient, then yes, we hold elections once a year usually in July or August, look out for a nomination form in the spring edition of GUCH News.