Meet the RFA Team

Reading Family Aid goes back a long way...

The original idea came from a group of people helping young mothers at Katesgrove House in Reading in the 1950s. Click here to learn more about our early days. We became a registered charity in 1993.

RFA is staffed entirely by volunteers and run by a small committee. We don't employ any staff or maintain any premises, so we're able to keep our overheads to a minimum. We spend most of the money that we raise on our programme of activities for the children and families we support.

The Reading Family Aid Management Committee

Wendy Howell, Chair, Fundraiser & Trustee
I was born in Yorkshire and worked in local government and later in Liverpool as computer programmer.
I married and eventually moved to Reading in 1996.
I always enjoyed fundraising and supporting charities through my church.
First helped RFA in 1997 and haven't looked back. I have been vice and chair in the past and now Chair again.
I love hands-on fundraising such as raffles and tombolas. I also enjoy reading, crafts, singing and family.

Laura Windisch, Secretary, Toy Project Manager & Trustee

I’ve lived in Reading for pretty much all of my adult life, since I became a student here in 1980. When I was about to retire from my 30+ year career in University admissions in 2019, I looked for a volunteering opportunity. Having volunteered for the Toys and Teens appeal in the past, I was very happy to see that the post of Toys and Teens Appeal Project Manager was available. The Appeal encompasses all that I love about living in Reading – people are so enthusiastic, generous and compassionate. I then became Secretary of Reading Family Aid in July 2020 and now fulfil both roles on the Committee.

Anna Gilbert, Vice Chair, Publicity & Trustee
I joined Reading Family Aid’s Publicity team in 2023 after hearing about it from another committee member. I had time for voluntary work and was looking for something I could easily fit around my full time job and other activities.
I took on the Vice Chair role in 2024 and continue to look after the charity’s social media activity alongside this. Since joining I have also enjoyed helping with the Toys and Teens Appeal, plus some summer fetes and outings. It has been so heart-warming to receive feedback from the families who have directly benefitted from our Christmas gifts and outings.
Outside of Reading Family Aid I work in university administration, and enjoy fibrecrafts, art and swimming in my spare time.

Sue Marson, Treasurer & Trustee
I have lived in Emmer Green for over 30 years . I have worked in NHS finance, and for many years as a school bursar. After retirement, I enjoyed part time employment in a local auction house.
I became interested in Reading Family Aid through a neighbour and I was pleased to be able to volunteer as Treasurer. I enjoyed seeing some of the activities and benefits provided for local families this summer and look forward to being involved in the Toys and Teens Appeal.