Our Trustees

Hand chosen for their passion for the ethos of the Trust, our trustees comprise of like-minded, committed individuals, from all manner of backgrounds throughout Wales.

Our Trustees range from sporting stars to medical professionals, the commonality being their combined years of fundraising efforts.

Their goal is simple - to nurture and develop the Trust ethos and to affect much change on as many lives as possible.

David Jones  – Founder & Trustee

Since starting Princes Gate Spring Water in 1991, I have been truly inspired by people around me and their willingness to help and join us in our mission to change lives. 

The big milestone was in 2006 when we partook in a mass group entry into Cardiff Half Marathon, within which every employee got involved and raised money for charities close to our hearts. This in turn inspired us all to challenge ourselves further. Talk soon turned to adventures such as climbing Kilimanjaro which I couldn’t help think were crazy when most had not even been to the Green Bridge of Wales! So, Daiathlon was born.

Daiathlon is a quirky twist on a Triathlon and set out to challenge those of all abilities, but a challenge it must be. I believe to date we have cycled over 10,000 miles, lost over 60 kilos in weight and raised in excess of £500,000…Not bad going for a small group of people who started with a mission to complete Cardiff Half Marathon! 

Our first love was Noah’s Ark Children’s Hospital and we are honoured to be a part of such a wonderful place. It is from their admirable work that the inspiration came to make a difference to those children and young people less fortunate than our own. From this, our commitment to changing lives was formalised with the set-up of The Trust as an independent registered charity.

With our 25th Year in business upon us, I feel this will be our biggest and best yet. The challenges are tough and ambition high. We’ve suffered some bumps and bruises along the way. My worst was being diagnosed with a heart condition and following an operation in 2009 I really feel 'anything is possible'. Nothing will stop us in wanting to change lives and create smiles.

Ryan Jones - Chairman

After 13 years of playing rugby for both Wales and the British Lions I'm keen to 'give a bit back', but I'm just one of a very special, little bit mad, passionate bunch. I'm proud to say I'm a founder and trustee of The Trust. The Trust is something very special, borne out of the desire by like minded people to provide opportunity, hope and just a little smile to those that need a bit of help. 

I'm fortunate to call David, Jackie friends and out of that friendship and history of fundraising we started the fun journey to channel and focus our efforts and fundraising into something we are all passionate about - helping others.

Rachel McKay  – Secretary & Trustee

Having known David for many years, I appreciate the family values he wants to promote and instil in the trust itself. And already it feels like a family that is growing as we help more young people. From my 20 years teaching experience, I've seen first hand how young lives can be transformed and improved in many ways. What is fantastic is that the trust can step in during difficult times and help those who need it the most.

Jackie Jones - Vice Chair

Its with honour and heart pride I sit amongst a team of trustees representing The Trust. We are a group of like minded individuals who all share the vision of wanting to help change people’s lives and help those less fortunate than ourselves, whilst having fun, challenging ourselves and achieving great things all at the same time! I’m enjoying every minute of helping raise the money, planning and being part of the crazy events, as well as spending the funds we raise on such worthy causes. 

Maria Young - Trustee

My friendship with David and Princes Gate Water go back many years. Over this time it was obvious that David was going to achieve great things - being an inspiration and motivator to many people locally. 

It is this motivation and determination that has brought about the formation of which I am so incredibly proud to be part of.

Caerie Mackintosh - Trustee

I'm a 53 year old mum of two grown up girls, a qualified nurse since 1984, I've worked in a variety of Nursing posts, including the Paul Sartori Foundation and also as an LSA. I love baking, sewing, walking and my family.

Whilst helping out on various cycle rides and sporting activities that my husband has taken part in, and the many social events organised by David, Jackie, I became aware of the charity. I was so honoured to have been asked by them to become one of the trustees. The generosity, enthusiasm and heart that I've witnessed from everyone involved makes me extremely proud to be part of it - even in a very small way - and knowing that 100% of the monies so painstakingly raised goes to those who need it the most!

Rebecca McKay - Trustee

Working with young people and with a young family of my own, has made me realise how important it is to have a support network around you. We, as the trust, can be that support in many different forms. I feel really privileged to work with The Trust making a direct impact on young people's lives.

Alun Jones - Trustee

I feel incredibly privileged to be part of a wonderful group of trustees who share an unrelenting passion for improving the lives of young people. Many charities exist, and all are extremely worthy, but I choose to give my time to supporting this team because of fun and laughter we have throughout all we do. Most importantly though it is fantastic to witness the young lives that are visibly transformed through the support of the Trust. 

Although I am a trustee in my personally capacity, I am delighted my firm, Hugh James, has also built a strong partnership with the Trust over the last five years. In that time we’ve brought together our staff and hundreds of people from across the business community to share in the fun, tackling some monster bike rides and helping some awe inspiring children long the way.