OUR TEAM
BILL & SHARON BLYTH
FOUNDERS
Bill and Sharon are passionate to see transformation in the nation of Moldova. We want to see lives changed and for value of people to be restored, particularly across female groups, young vulnerable adults and the abandoned elderly.
We long to see transformation that lasts, leaders that are built and the values of Jesus lived out! That is why we invest heavily in the people of Moldova.
Sally WILLSON
TRUSTEE
We are Mike and Sally Willson. We have lived in Highworth Wiltshire (UK) since 1985 and have been an active members of Highworth Community Church (HCC) since then.
We have 5 married children all with their own families giving us lots of grandchildren to enjoy.
We first heard about Moldova and the dire problems there in April 2014 from Rachel Hickson. She introduced us to Sharon Blyth in June 2014 and we formed an immediate bond.
We made our first visit to Moldova in September 2014 for 1 week. We attended an inter church conference called "shoulder to shoulder" in Ungheni, which encouraged not only the churches to start to work together but for men and women to work alongside each other. We also were able to get to know missionaries Leo and Sam Sandu. They have been working to bring what aid they can to that impoverished community as well as discipling and training young people.
We were also able to visit Casa Helen which Sharon founded in Rispeni, and visit Riscani, where a house had just been purchased for complete renovation into a refuge for girls at risk of being trafficked. It was wonderful to revisit in August 2016 as part of a larger mission team from our church, to help with various projects, encourage the churches and bless the elderly ladies in the home. We have returned again a few times.
We were both involved in the original discussions about setting up the Love Moldova charity and are both thrilled to now be part of it as trustees.
MIKE
WILLSON
TRUSTEE
Bob Pritchard
TRUSTEE
I worked in a Commercial Sales environment in different roles with a number of companies until I retired in October 2014. The last 29 years of my working life I was UK Sales Manager for a large German manufacturer.
I now spend time doing voluntary work for Camberley Care, Citizens Advice and various other activities at St. Paul’s Church including running the recovery course for those struggling with addiction.
My hobbies include being an Honorary Steward at Twickenham Stadium, watching Harlequins RFC, and sport in general, just love walking and cycling, and travelling to different places in my Caravan!
I have a real passion for life, and enjoy meeting people. I love time with my family and friends but get great delight in helping others especially those who are not so fortunate.
I am looking forward to visiting Moldova in the coming year and to making my sincere contribution to the Love Moldova Foundation.
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Lynn Osbourne
Lynn is a dynamic and passionate marketing leader, with a proven track record in delivering successful global integrated marketing programs based on consumer insight and in-depth channel understanding. Lynn comes with experience across both the FMCG and Technology sectors, covering a wide range of local and international roles across Marketing, Consumer Research and Global Strategy & Execution. Lynn has a passion for building talent, embracing diversity and staying true to her Christian beliefs that shape her core vision and leadership style. Lynn and her husband Terry, live in Camberley and have 3 children, Sonia, Joshua and Luke.
TRUSTEE
Jo Pearse
TRUSTEE
I Visited Highworth Community Church, for the first time and learned that a team of people was about to go to Moldova, as I sat listening, I began to think that ‘I want to go there!’. 18 months later I went with a small group from Highworth, meeting others involved in Love Moldova whilst I was there. I was hooked!
After graduating I joined the Civil Service, I worked for Headway, the head injury charity, and now have a small lettings business. I am involved in women’s ministry and I am passionate to see women rise up to live adventurously to fulfil their calling, and discover the freedom that Jesus brings. For the last 2 years I have organised the Edgefest Ladies Conference ‘Ladies Rise Up’,
I have a wonderful husband and am a mum to twin boys.
Tim Cross CBE
PATRON
“High level soldiering is not just about making war,
but also involves building peace and following Jesus”.
Major General (Retired) Tim Cross MSc CBE was commissioned into the British Army in 1971. He commanded at every level, from leading a small Bomb Disposal Team in N Ireland in the 1970’s to commanding a Division of 30,000 in 2004/07 and being a Board Member of the multi-billion-pound Defence Logistic Organisation in 2002
Alongside various tours in the UK and Germany, he served with the UN in Cyprus in 1980/81 and Paris on a Guided Weapons programme in 1983/84. Operational deployments included Kuwait/Iraq in 1990/91 and Bosnia in 1995/96 and ‘97. In 1999, as a Brigadier in command of 101 Logistic Brigade, he deployed to Macedonia, Albania and Kosovo and was appointed CBE in the subsequent operational awards for his work in leading the NATO response to the Humanitarian crisis; his brigade headquarters was also awarded the Wilkinson Sword of Peace.
Involved in the initial planning for military operations in Iraq in Sep/Oct ‘02, he deployed to Washington in Jan ’03, and then Kuwait and Baghdad as the UK Deputy to the US-led Coalition Provisional Authority (CPA). In Jul ‘03 he returned to the UK, subsequently commanding the largest of the 3 Divisions of the UK Field Army, retiring in Jan ’07. He was then the Army Adviser to the UK House of Commons Defence Committee for 7 years.
As a part of a broad portfolio, Tim is a Local Lay Minister in the Church of England and an itinerant preacher/speaker, he is engaged across the business, academic, charity and humanitarian world. A Tutor at the Leadership Trust, he sits on the Board of 4 UK/International companies and is a Visiting/Honorary Professor at two UK Universities.
Tim has been married to Christine since 1972 and they have 3 children; Alexander, ex-Lt Cdr in the Royal Navy and now working in Industry; Gemma living and working on the Isle of Wight; and Stephen – ex-Army and now working in Government. He also has 5 grandchildren - Daniel, Harry, Katie, Eloise and Alice. Outside of them, his hobbies include reading/writing, having had a number of articles and book chapters published.