Jo is Co-Founder and President of the Living Tree. Having retired from her role as a GP in the spring of 2021, Jo is looking forward to devoting more time to helping the Living Tree recover from the impact of the Covid pandemic. When Jo is not busy with Living Tree activities, and our allied cancer exercise rehabilitation scheme (Stepping Out), Jo might be found helping on our new allotment, weeding her own garden, and walking the dog!

Jo co-founded the Living Tree in 2012. Read about our founders below.

Alison leads our Allotment Team. She is 24 years clear of cancer, with a few pre cancers since to keep her on her toes! She began her work by studying Occupational Psychology, going on to work as a Recruiter, Trainer & Management Development Consultant. Her favourite work, however, began by volunteering at a Sue Ryder Hospice and soon progressed into employment as a Diversional Therapist.

Alison has been a Trustee since 2020.

I am mother of two and a retired nurse. I moved from Hertfordshire in November 2022. Soon afterwards I was diagnosed with breast  cancer. With no close friends nearby I felt very isolated. Living tree has given me the support and companionship I needed. I am a volunteer at Bridport Hospital and help out at the Seaside Store in Lyme. Each year I crew on The Grand Union Canal taking SEND youngster on a week long residential boat trip. I am a trustee for FOSC ( friends of St Candida) raising funds for our beautiful church.

Marion became a Trustee in 2025.

Mark is our Treasurer. Born and bred on Tyneside, after University he went to work for British Steel in production and several other companies until he came to Bridport in 1986 to be the Production Director for Gundry’s.  In the 1990’s he set up his own business specialising in Sports netting and supplying major sports clubs and institutions around the world. Having been a Trustee of a charity based in Weymouth he was looking for something similar in the local area when he retired.

Mark has been a Trustee since 2024.

After visiting Dorset for many years as a holiday destination, Tony moved to Bridport from Surrey late in 2021 and now lives in West Bay with his wife. For many years Tony worked around the world as a Business Strategy consultant and as an interim Managing Director. In 2016 Tony developed bowel cancer resulting in an anterior resection and fitting of a stoma. A reversal operation later enabled the stoma to be removed. Annual checks now show Tony to be in full remission. As well as supporting The Living Tree, he enjoys art and playing golf.

Tandy has been a Trustee since 2025.

Jo leads our Amblers walks, which are are based in and around the Bridport area, take place once or twice a month, are weather-dependent and vary in length from around 2-6 miles as well as level of difficulty. The walks offer you the opportunity for exercise in the fresh air, to explore the natural world, to relax, to talk and to make new friends. We usually stop at a local cafe or bring our own light picnic.

Ann co-ordinates our fantastic Therapists Partnership.

Liz is a self-employed photographer specialising in weddings and portraits. She holds a fascination for design and typography, and has created websites for a number of small charities over the years. Liz is the daughter of co-founder Jo O'Farrell. As such the Living Tree is a project close to her heart.

Nikki is the owner of Eden Enterprises, a marketing agency that she set up to supply cost-effective marketing strategy and support. Previously, Nikki has worked as a Freelance Outdoor Activities Instructor and for the Rugby Football Union at Twickenham (in Marketing – not playing!) Nikki loves to travel, and lives near Bridport with her husband, two children and dog Remus.