Laughter Africa is governed and regulated by our trustees. Drawn from diverse professional backgrounds they bring a broad range of experience, expertise, knowledge and skills which enable them to undertake the responsibilities of trusteeship. The trustees are ultimately responsible in law for the charity, its assets and activities. The trustees are charged with good governance of Laughter Africa – achieving our mission, setting strategic direction and ensuring we are financially sound and comply with relevant legislation. It is the trustees’ responsibility to formally approve our budget, annual report and accounts. As charity trustees they receive no remuneration for their services and they have no interest in the charity’s contracts.

James Tyrrell – Founder, Director and Chair

James has worked in many projects with children, youth and communities in England, South Africa and Sierra Leone, including many local and international NGOs. Prior to establishing Laughter Africa he worked for CAFOD for five and a half years. His qualifications include a Masters in International Development: Poverty, Conflict and Reconstruction from Manchester University. For his Masters’ dissertation James specifically researched street children. He also achieved a BA (Hons) undergraduate degree from Durham University in Community and Youth Work Studies as well as a JNC community and youth work qualification. James re-located to Sierra Leone in 2015 to establish Laughter Africa. You can read more about James’ vision for Laughter Africa here.

Quentin Neal – Secretary

Quentin Neal has been a Criminal Defence Advocate working in both the Magistrates and Crown Courts across Merseyside for twenty-five years. He works in a small general practice in Hamilton Square, Birkenhead. Quentin studied History at University of Bangor before qualifying as a solicitor. Quentin lives on Merseyside with his wife and three daughters. For the last ten years, Quentin has run a monthly free legal advice service at a local library covering any aspect of law. Quentin is also a Parent Governor and Parent Director at a local Comprehensive school and has also been a school Governor at a local primary school. In his free time he enjoys playing the piano, reading, running and watching any type of sport.

David Cartmell – Treasurer

David has worked within the field of Financial Services for almost thirty years specialising in Accountancy, Pension Administration and Investment Reporting. David studied Accounting and Finance at Manchester Metropolitan University and has in the past worked as a Vice President for an American Investment Bank. David lives on the Wirral, Merseyside with his wife and three children. As well as helping with the Gift Aid donations / recording for his local church David is Treasurer for a local charity that provides a daily meal for the elderly in the community. David enjoys all sports, completed his first marathon in 2011 and ran in the London Marathon in April 2015 and April 2016 to raise funds for Laughter Africa.