Meet the Trustees!
Chris Hope
Chris is the brother of Charlotte, whose life and values continue to inspire him through Lottie’s Way, a foundation established to carry forward her legacy and ensure she is never forgotten. From a young age, Chris worked alongside his father, Neil, helping to pack boxes for Kenya. He has been involved since the inception of Taking Football to Africa, witnessing first-hand the joy and opportunities the project brings to children and young adults.
Alongside his charitable work, Chris has over 20 years of experience in the automotive sector, where he has managed teams, built key relationships, and driven business growth. Combining his professional expertise with his passion for making a difference, Chris continues to honour Charlotte’s memory by creating meaningful impact both locally and internationally.
Chair and Trustee
Wing Commander Neil Hope MBE VR
Neil started the Taking Football to Africa and Beyond Charitable Appeal in 2006. Charlotte helped with the appeal from a young age and travelled as a volunteer on many of the delivery visits. Neil served in the RAF for 42 years, as well as working in football for the RAF and FA, before retiring to the golf course whilst continuing with the shirts appeal and becoming a trustee of Lottie's Way to continue the work Charlotte loved. He will forever mourn his 'baby girl'
Trustee
Squadron Leader Mark Smales
Mark has been a family friend of the Hope’s since 2010 when he was posted to RAF Shawbury and worked with Neil, immediately becoming involved with the Taking Football to Africa and Beyond Appeal. It was through the appeal that he got to know Charlotte, often spending hours sorting and boxing kit together, and in 2022 they were both part of the Appeal delivery visit to Kenya. It was here that he got to experience first hand just how much Kenya meant to Charlotte and how helping others came so naturally to her. Once Lottie’s Way was created it was a no-brainer to say yes when asked to become a trustee, who could say no when given the chance to continue this amazing young woman’s legacy?
He brings several skills to the role, a lot of them honed through over 20 years of military service. Perhaps the main one being his love for attention to detail, though admittedly some people would call it OCD! This becomes very useful when looking at the short, medium and long term goals of the charity as well as planning events to ensure we are hitting our aims and being as effective as possible to help those who need it most.
Trustee
Wing Commander Joan Ochuodho ACMA CGMA
Wg Cdr Joan Ochuodho joined the RAF in 2003 as a Personnel Administrator (HR), she successfully navigated through the ranks, commencing Officer Training in 2007 and attaining her commission in February 2008. During her 22-year career so far, she has undertaken roles in HR, Infrastructure Management, Finance and International Relations.
Joan has deployed on Operations to Iraq, Falklands Islands and Nigeria. Through opportunities for further education within the RAF, she gained her Associate Chartered Management Accountant (ACMA) and Chartered Global Management Accountant (CGMA) qualifications. She has also successfully completed 2 master’s degrees: MSc in Strategic Business Management (Manchester Metropolitan University) and MA in International Relations (King’s College London), a recipient under the Chief of the Air Staff Fellowship Scheme. She will soon be assigned to Royal Air Force Wittering as the Station Commander.
Outside her primary role, Joan is currently the RAF Football Association’s FA council member. She is also the Finance Director, and a member of the RAF Football Association’s Board of Trustees. Joan is married with two children and enjoys playing golf in her free time (A fair weather golfer).
Trustee
Sophie Goodwin
I joined Lottie’s Way as a trustee after first volunteering with the charity in 2023, and I’ve been lucky enough to travel on every trip since Charlotte’s passing in 2022, seeing first-hand the incredible impact being made. I met Charlotte at university, where we both studied primary education, she quickly became one of my closest friends. I remember her telling me all about her charity work, and I was so inspired by her passion - it was always something I wanted to do. Lottie’s Way means so much to me; it’s a way to honour Charlotte and continue the amazing work she started. I’m so proud of how far we’ve come, the progress we’ve made, and the love and purpose that continue to drive everything we do.
I’ve worked in hospitality since I was 15, and for the past eight years it’s become a huge part of who I am. I’m now a Hospitality Manager for my family’s pub and coffee shop, where I manage, and look after private events and bookings, the marketing and socials, menu development, staff management, and customer experience. My organisation, experience and eye for detail all play a big part and help, in my role as a Trustee of Lottie’s Way, where I also manage the charity’s social media/website, marketing and events to help it grow and reach more people!
Trustee
Colin Deane
Colin, a good friend of Neil's and an ex RAF Officer for over 20 years, also worked with the NHS at Exec level across a range of settings. He brings considerable experience of Operational Leadership and Management and has organised a plethora of different events. He joined the Board of Trustees in 2025 and is a keen volunteer wanting to ensure that the charity continues to deliver support to those who need it most.
Trustee
Air Vice Marshal Tamara Jennings OBE MA LLM
Patron of Lottie's Way