The Orange Foundation trustees: meet Stephen Gregson

Hi Stephen! Tell us a little bit about yourself, where you live and how you became involved with The Orange Foundation?

I have worked for many years as an accountant in practice in and around Preston. Michael was initially a client, and he and I first met perhaps 15-20 years ago.  We quickly realised that we had a not-dissimilar sense of humour and got on very well (well, I think we did; you’d better ask him as well!). I have been involved in voluntary work as a school governor for all of that time, and that, together with my experience advising business owners on strategic and financial matters, suggested to Michael that I might be able to bring something of value and use to The Orange Foundation. I was flattered and touched when he asked me to get involved.

What advice would you give to those considering getting involved with our charity, either as a fundraiser, donor or supporter?  

I think that what puts people off getting involved with any charity or voluntary roles are two concerns: 1) they don’t think that they have anything to offer, and 2) their lives are busy already; how can a volunteer role fit in?  My experience suggests that these are not unreasonable, but they are usually overblown.

What we need – what all voluntary sector organisations need – is committed people who want to get things done. If that describes you, then you don’t need to be nervous about not having done anything like this before. Your energy and common sense are all that you need. I don’t know anyone who doesn’t live a busy life (or, rather, who doesn’t feel that they do), but what is great about The Orange Foundation is that Michael has already built, and continues to build, a great group of people who are delivering for the charity. Anybody who joins or supports us will have a network of enthusiastic and helpful people to support them and get them up and running.  You won’t, by any means, be on your own when you get involved.

Looking ahead, what are some key goals or projects you’re excited to focus on as a trustee?

The reason The Orange Foundation exists is to support people, and their nearest and dearest, as they deal with the daily realities and challenges of dealing with their cancer diagnosis and treatment. That is why we are here. What I want to help with is supporting the Foundation to grow in breadth and depth so that it can support more people who need our help, and make sure we can do so over the very long term.