UK Trustees
All of the Trustees of the Charity give their time voluntarily to the organisation. If you are interested in becoming a trustee please contact us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
DETTA REGAN
Founder / Director
Has been a Youth and Community worker for 30 years, getting involved in International cultural and social youth exchanges. In her role as a trainer travelling the world, she visited the Middle East. A desire grew to raise the profile of women and children in the region. As a keen cyclist, she was told that she could not cycle in the Middle East as people would look at you. She realised that she could use the bicycle as a vehicle to get noticed and FTW was born.
PHILIPPA OCHONSKI
Marketing, Communications and PR
Has been involved in FTW since its inception, taking part in 4 of the 5 bikes rides and responsible for the playground projects. Works full time in Marketing in the IT industry. Enjoys cycling, travelling and spending time with family and friends.
EMMA JAMES
Secretary (acting)
International administration and logistics
Has been involved in Follow The Women since 2008 as the International Administrator, and then also took part and headed up the logistics team on the 2009 bike ride.
ELAINE WEALLEANS
Chair (acting)
Trustee
Has been part of FTW since its conception and is the countries co-ordinator for the cycle rides. A senior youth support worker for local government., involving as many young people as possible in youth exchanges, particularly with the Middle East. Passionate about Palestine. Enjoys cycling, sport and food.
SHIRLEY CLARKE
Treasurer / Trustee
As a Youth & Community Worker for many years involved in International Youth Exchanges, witnessing the power of different groups coming together from different cultural, religious, and ethnic backgrounds and I immediately loved the simple ethos of FTW.
My first FTW bike ride was in 2005, but it was a bit of a “lastminute.com”, as someone had dropped out, so in 1 month, I had to train hard to get fit for the 300 miles road trip. But once I got on my bike, I remembered my love of cycling and the camaraderie of the other women helping each other. Riding through Beirut next to a woman from Iran, both with our country flags on our back talking about our boys, being mothers, working, experiencing similar growing pains was a joy and we are still friends today. I learnt so much of the culture, politics, religion, food, and the role of women in the Arabic countries we visited, and from the women of all the 30 different countries taking part.
I was so passionate, that I became a Trustee and took on the responsibilities of the finances, becoming the Treasurer in 2007. I was part of the working team to get charity status in 2008. Taking part in every FTW Bike Ride since 2005, has changed my life in many ways, including my passion for travelling the world and I always hire a bike, as a great way to see the true country.