You can read more about the Access Champions below:

 

Fatheha Ali

I used to work full-time as a nursery nurse and, when I became ill, went part-time, working in the after-school club. I particularly enjoyed the art activities with the children, and continue to learn new skills, like sewing and glass staining, by attending classes at a nearby college.

I joined Merton CIL after they helped me with a benefits issue and supported me in trying to get rehoused. My current home is not fit for purpose and I feel strongly that more accessible homes must be built. I have started to campaign with others to push for change.

 

Simon Bruton

I was born in Kingston Hospital in 1955, and lived in and was schooled in Kingston until 1972. I then enrolled at Poplar Technical College to study Marine Engineering and, sponsored by Decca, undertook a degree in Mechanical Engineering at the University of Surrey in 1974. After graduating in 1978, I worked on aircraft and surface ships defence equipment at Decca Radar, moving to Louis Newmark Ltd for two years to work on flight control equipment for helicopters, and returning to Decca for seven years to design submarine equipment. In 1990, I became Design Manager at Thrust Engineering, working on minesweeping equipment.

In 1992, I became seriously ill and was left with severe mobility difficulties and chronic fatigue, meaning that I was off work for seven years. During this period, I was a full-time wheelchair user but managed, through therapy and exercises, to walk short distances using crutches. I studied Computing part-time with the Open University, and then went to Merton College for three years, studying Musical Instrument Repair. At the end of that period, I attained a lecturing position in Mechanical Engineering at Merton College, teaching for a very enjoyable fifteen years before taking early retirement from teaching in 2013 due to further ill health, becoming a wheelchair user again.

I carried on with musical instrument repair at home, becoming a saxophone specialist repairing instruments for professional players, several professors of saxophone in music colleges, and the Royal College of Music. I retired again after the pandemic, as I had enjoyed my own hobbies during that time.

I have loved going into the great outdoors all my life, so being a wheelchair user really hit me hard. In 2016, I borrowed a Tramper mobility scooter at Durlston Country Park in Dorset, through the South West Countryside Mobility Scheme. I was astounded at how great it was off road, so I decided I had to have one! I ended up buying a Tramper TWS scooter in late 2016, and have been using it ever since, going to ramble in/on the Cotswolds, Wiltshire, Dorset Coast path, South Downs, North Downs, Essex, and Thames Path (Walton-on-Thames to Westminster), as well as all around my local area. I became the South West London and Surrey Regional Representative for The Disabled Ramblers a couple of years ago.

I married in 1979. We had four children – three boys and a girl. Three are now settled: one son is a musician (saxophonist); one son is a teacher at Carshalton College (motorcycle repair and maintenance); and our daughter is a Therapeutic Radiographer at Southend Hospital. We sadly lost our youngest son in 2016, aged 24 years old.

 

Chris Bull

I am a mechanic and build remote control cars as a hobby. I also have a spinal injury and use an electric wheelchair.

I am keen to improve the lives of Deaf and Disabled people by sharing my lived experience. For example, I have assessed the accessibility of gyms, worked with the Care Quality Commission to inspect care homes as an ‘expert by experience’, given talks to medical staff in hospitals, and helped to train physiotherapy students at a day centre.

 

Debby Cross

 

Estifanos Habtesellasie

I have been involved with Merton CIL for over seven years, firstly as a volunteer, and now as a Trustee and Access Champion. I initially became a volunteer after a long period of inactivity due to not finding work because of my disability, Arthrogryposis. I then became an Access Champion because the group helps to contribute to the fight for better accessibility, not just for Disabled people, but for everyone. Being part of the group has introduced me to a range of difficulties faced by people who just want to get on with their lives. We are a welcoming group and would like more people to join us.

Outside of my work with Merton CIL, I enjoy reading, swimming and walking.

 

Sarah Henley

I use my lived experience to help others, and I feel that my learning impairment brings a unique perspective to the work of the Access Champions.

 

Ana Lapsa

I used to work in Public Relations and am now a part-time perioperative nurse. I am also a mother to two teenagers in full-time education.

In 1997, a severe road traffic accident left me with multiple fractures, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, and chronic pain. In 2023, I had avascular necrosis of the hips, leading to two hip replacement operations in nine months.

I became an Access Champion with Merton CIL because I want better facilities and support for Disabled people in Merton.

 

Liz Muir

I was born with a rare condition called Multiple Epiphyseal Dysplasia, meaning that I had Early-Onset Osteoarthritis, as well as other problems.

I worked for British Telecom and then British Rail, until being medically retired in 1994. Since then, I have done voluntary work and been on committees, including MAFIA (Merton Association for Independent Access) and MADP (Merton Association for Disabled People), which were organisations run from Vestry Hall and South Mitcham Community Centre respectively. Currently, I am a befriender for Christian Care and The Careline (a Christian church support organisation for Disabled, elderly and homeless people), and I work for Roehampton University Service User and Carer Partnership, helping lecturers to teach nursing students about the needs of Disabled patients while in hospital or cared for in their own home. I am also a member of the Royal British Legion and sell poppies each year.

I have taken part in a training video for Transport for London drivers and managers, advising on the needs of Disabled and elderly passengers, and on bus signage and seating. Likewise, after finding Wimbledon Common inaccessible for mobility scooters and wheelchairs, I met with the Head of Maintenance to discuss where the problems were and, within two weeks, the obstacles were removed and a whole path was resurfaced.

My interests are travelling, reading, knitting, and meeting with friends or clients for coffee.

 

Raheema Olajide

I am a Disabled resident and joined Merton CIL to fight for the rights of Disabled people, eventually becoming a Trustee. I worked as a Civil Servant for many years and was in the Disability Advisory Group in my department. I retired in 2016.

 

Alvarine Samuel

My past roles as a Pharmacy Technician and Trainee Deputy Manager for care homes have given me a strong understanding of health, safety, and the importance of effective service delivery. And having transitioned from a career in healthcare to becoming a wheelchair user, I understand firsthand the challenges of navigating inaccessible transport systems. Like everyone else, I value independence and choice. Reliable, accessible transport is essential for Disabled people to live freely and on their own terms, and accessibility benefits everyone, not just Disabled individuals. Public transport should be safe, functional and comfortable for all users. A well-designed transport system serves parents with prams, older adults, and those with temporary mobility issues.

Being an Access Champion allows me to be part of tangible improvements that empower Disabled people and foster inclusivity in society. Decision-makers do not always understand the real-life impact of poor accessibility, and my role helps bring lived experience into discussions about transport planning.

On top of this, I am a young grandma with five grandchildren and another on the way, and I have interests in natural health and hobbies in athletics, gymnastics, rock climbing and skating. I would love to travel internationally.

 

Mark Stokes

 

Gina Vettese

I am Co-Chair of Merton CIL’s Board of Trustees.

I have been Disabled since I was thirteen years old and currently use a mobility scooter. I am passionate about improving accessibility in Merton and on public transport.

I am also a talented seamstress and enjoy creating wedding dresses in my spare time.

 

Angelyn Wildman

I was born with my mobility condition and have three children. I know only too well the struggle of being Disabled and looking after a family.

Before my disability kicked in full-time, I was a caterer, a cleaner, and a carer – mostly all at once, as I enjoyed working!

I volunteer at Merton CIL in a range of ways, including as an Access Champion. The Access Champions use our life experiences to effect change, not just for ourselves, but for all Disabled people.