Difference People

Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world, indeed it’s the only thing that ever has … Margaret Mead, 1901-1978

Gillian Lathan Chairperson

Gillian is a North East native with a degree in Social Work. Since graduating she has worked with a major charity in the substance misuse field, providing support to vulnerable clients with complex needs in County Durham. She also has worked in drug and alcohol misuse services in Canada. She has previously worked with veterans, in children's services and at a specialist women's centre. Gillian, like fellow trustees Caroline and Nicky, is a medal winner on the Tees Rowing Club para-rowing team. She has a rescue dog called Diesel.

Caroline Macdonald Trustee

Caroline has been involved in disability rights for over 20 years, as a campaigner, mentor, research and policy specialist, sports coach, union officer, social worker and teacher. She has worked across sectors including health, regeneration, education and the voluntary and community sector. Caroline used to work for the Big Lottery Fund where she was responsible for their disability policy. She now works for the Government’s Office for Civil Society as a policy advisor. She is a former rowing world champion and a tennis champ.

Nicky Erevik Assistant treasurer

Nicky has been working in the financial sector in the North East for almost 20 years, with a specialism in risk management, stress testing and treasury policy. She currently has risk oversight for a major regional financial institution and has in the past been a money market manager. She has a law degree and was awarded a distinction in legal practice. Nicky is a European indoor rowing medal winner and currently, like Caroline, plays wheelchair tennis. She gardens south of the River Tyne.

Christopher Hartworth Development Director

Christopher has been working in social welfare research and development for nearly 30 years both in the North East and overseas. He has a PhD in social science and a first degree in environmental management. Christopher carried out the initial mapping exercise which established the need for Difference and identified the first board members. He is an ex-smoker and has a whippet (and a bedlington).

Tanni Grey-Thompson Patron

Tanni Grey-Thompson needs no introduction ... she is an all round Ace. She has been involved in disability rights for many years following on from a successful Olympic career. As somebody living in the North East of England, we thought who better to represent and be our patron than somebody who has done so much to change people's perception of disability. Now she carries the title of Baroness and sits in the corridors of power in our government. How's about that as someone to look up to?

Nic Cook Development Manager

Nic is a committed and passionate activist, campaigning on Disability Rights issues across diverse social justice issues. She roots her work in creativity, accessibility, and inclusion, informed by her background in the arts and post-compulsory/ community education. She has carried out research exploring how understandings of practice might inform ‘care-ful’ policy that works for equality. She likes hiking, reading, writing and being silly with her son Dylan.