Senior Managers
Sarah Pugh
Chief Executive Officer
Sarah joined us in 2021 as Chief Executive and is responsible for the strategic development and leadership of Whizz Kidz. Sarah joined following six years as Chief Executive of Heart of Kent Hospice. Before this, she spent 15 years leading fundraising teams in charities including Breast Cancer Care, The National Autistic Society and RNID as well as five years in the commercial sector. Sarah is a Trustee of CoppaFeel! In her spare time, Sarah loves running and walking, and particularly likes ‘bagging peaks’ in the Lake District with her husband and two daughters. Sarah is passionate about ensuring young people continue to have a central voice in the development and work of Whizz Kidz.
Stuart Popple
Director of Finance and Corporate Services
Jon Sawford
Director of Services
Jon Sawford joined us in October 2016 as our Operations and Services Director. He has responsibility for Clinical services, young people’s life skills services and our NHS Services at Tower Hamlets and Southend Wheel Chair Services. Jon joined from a lengthy career in the private sector working in FTSE 100 companies across Automotive Services, Financial Services and Utilities in senior operational roles. Jon is an advanced open water diver and has a keen interest in the welfare of our oceans and the sea life they support.
Liz George
Director of Fundraising and Communications
Liz joined Whizz Kidz in October 2025 as Director of Fundraising and Communications. She is responsible for leading the charity’s fundraising, communications, and engagement functions, helping to deliver our mission to empower young wheelchair users across the UK.
Liz joined Whizz Kidz following a career spanning more than 20 years in the charity sector, including leadership roles at Queen Elizabeth’s Foundation for Disabled People, The Children’s Trust, The Royal British Legion Poppy Factory, and Hospice UK. She also serves as a Trustee of SportsAid.
Liz is passionate about the power of strategic partnerships and storytelling to drive social impact and is continually inspired by the remarkable commitment of supporters who fundraise for the causes they care about.
Tania Hummel
Director of People and Engagement
Tania joined Whizz Kidz as part-time Director of People and Engagement, while continuing to coach individuals, and deliver leadership programmes in a variety of sectors. Previously, Tania led the HR function of Nature and Macmillan, one of the world’s most renowned scientific, academic and education publishers, during a period of transformation from a regionally organised, traditional, print-based business to a global digital and data-driven information provider. She is passionate about helping individuals reach their full potential, and in so doing, creating an environment where all colleagues can thrive.
Jo Fashan
Associate Director of Engagement & Policy
Jo joined Whizz Kidz in May 2015 as Services Manager for Wales. After a number of roles in the services team, Jo moved into the newly created role of Associate Director, Engagement & Policy in 2022.
Jo’s background includes working in the charity and private sector in programme management, stakeholder engagement and strategic planning. Jo was a Volunteer for GirlGuiding for 20 years leading both Brownie and Guide units and sitting on County Committees. Since leaving GirlGuiding, Jo still has volunteer interests and is a Trustee for Two Rhythms and served as a School Governor at her local primary school.
Jo is passionate about supporting children and young people to have a voice and campaign on matters that affect them.
