BBS & Me- Trustee Gareth Cumming

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Posted on Jul 28, 2021

 

Q: Name

Gareth Cumming, BA(Hons), CIMA Adv DIP MA

Q: Board Role designation (Trustee or Chairman, Secretary etc):

A: Trustee

Q: Your Relationship to BBS (your link/connection)

A: OI Type 3

Q: Have you ever been a Trustee for any other charity or similar? How many years have you been serving on the Board for BBS?

A: I have never been a trustee for any other charity. I have been a trustee since 2017

Q: Was there a moment when you decided that you wanted to support the work of the Brittle Bone Society or perhaps you were co-opted?

A: My family has always had close involvement in the BBS. I have attended almost every AGM and local conferences since I was born and have been involved in many fundraising and cheque presentation events. My dad was a trustee when I was growing up and I always believed that I would like to become a trustee when I was old enough and may even step into the position of treasurer when I finally qualify as an accountant.

Q: What do you enjoy most about serving on the Board?

A: I really enjoy making sure that the BBS is heading in the right direction with the best interests of people with OI. Also as the youngest trustee I have also enjoyed help shape the engagement of the younger members of the BBS through the vOIce events.

Q: What is the biggest challenge in your role?

A: I believe that most people will say that the biggest challenge in recent times has been the COVID crisis and the lockdowns. It was absolutely heart breaking to me to be part of the trustees who have decided to cancel 2 physical AGM/conferences, however it was made in the best interest of the delegates and has provided opportunities for people who haven’t or cannot physically attend, to attend virtually.

Q: How important do you see the role of the Brittle Bone Society in helping to raise awareness around OI? And including participation around research or anything else you feel pertinent.

A: The BBS is incredibly important to raise awareness around OI. There is still a lot of unknowns that surround OI both medically and in the general population so the hard work and support of the BBS has definitely helped it to improve, even in my life time.

Q: How would you like to see provisions for healthcare change in the future for people with rare bone conditions and specifically for OI?

A: There is a lot of healthcare provision for people with OI in childhood however there seems to be a lot less support for adults with OI. Therefore, better support in this area is incredibly important

Q: If there anything coming out of the Covid Pandemic that you feel will be learned positively to improve the quality of life for people with OI and their families?

A: I think one major positive that has come out of the pandemic is the popularity of video calling/conferencing. We have learned from last year’s AGM and vOIce events that new people attend due to not having to travel so far, costs involved from traveling or with physical injuries.

I believe that the BBS should have more virtual conferences and events and that going forward and only keep the main annual conferences as a physical event

Q: Do you have any unusual hobbies or interests that you would like to tell us about?

A: I have many hobbies including Baking, Pub Quizzing, Musicals, Swimming and Archery. However during lockdown I have learned a new hobby: Knitting. I have already had commissions from friends to make them scarfs and hats

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