The Committee
Taintedblood was formed in early 2006 by its two founding members, Gareth Lewis and Andy Evans. Since then, the Taintedblood committee has consisted of various members of the contaminated-blood-affected community, many of whom have been there since shortly after the group was formed, but also others who have spent shorter periods of time on the team.
All members of the committee act in a voluntary capacity. Taintedblood has no paid members of staff, and any funds raised are used solely towards fulfilling the aims of the group.
Below is a list and short biography of the current committee members of Taintedblood. Please contact us through our contact page if you wish to reach any specific member of the team.
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Gareth Lewis - contact Gareth Gareth is one of the founding members of Taintedblood. He was infected with HIV and Hepatitis C through his haemophlia treatment in the early 1980s. He has occupied the position of Chairman of the committee since the group's inception, and continues to fulfil the role to this day. Gareth brings to Taintedblood his long and accomplished experience in campaigning for people affected with contaminated blood, particularly as co-founder also of The Birchgrove Group in the 1980s. He is also a trustee of The Haemophilia Society. |
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Sue Threakall - contact Sue Sue has been with Taintedblood since 2006. She lost her husband, Bob, in 1991 due to HIV/AIDS from contaminated haemophilia treatment. Sue became Secretary to the group in February 2008, is responsible for working with the evidence the group accumulates through Freedom of Information and other various sources, and processing entries for the Taintedblood timeline and for other documents of evidence; she was also the brains behind the memories page. She brings with her many years of experience campaigning for those affected by contaminated blood, especially those widowed through the disaster. |
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Mark Ward - contact Mark Mark has been with Taintedblood since late 2006. Another recipient of HIV and Hepatitis C through contaminated haemophilia treatment, Mark's role within the committee is focused upon support to those affected and media relations. He is also heavily involved in forging links with other organisations and is a key player in forming the group's future strategies. Mark's experience working with specific sectors of the contaminated blood community makes him an asset to the group. Mark also writes a regular article on behalf of Taintedblood for Positive Nation magazine. |
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Haydn Lewis - contact Haydn Haydn has been working with Taintedblood since its very early days in 2006. He was infected with HIV in the 1980s and Hepatitis C in 1990 through haemophilia treatment. He is jointly responsible for the inception and much of the content of the Taintedblood Timeline, and has been instrumental in processing data accumulated from Freedom of Information and other sources and turning it into useable evidence towards proving our cause. He also brings with him many years' experience campaigning for the cause. |
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Charles Loder - contact Charles Charles has been a member of the committee of Taintedblood since 2007. He was infected with HIV and Hepatitis C through contaminated haemophilia treatment in the early 1980s. A relative newcomer to the campaign, Charles took on the position of the group's Treasurer straight away. He has dedicated himself to becoming fully versed with the history of campaigning activity and with efforts currently taking place, and acquits himself excellently within all aspects of committee business. He is particularly involved with publicity activities and in forming group strategy. |
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Gary Kelly - contact Gary Gary is Chair of the HIV Blood Transfusion Group and a member of the Eileen Trust. He received HIV-infected blood in 1986, during his treatment for AML Leukaemia and has been campaigning ever since. He led the campaign for non-haemophiliacs in the 1990's and provides 20 years of experience, working with other groups and the press. Gary says: "...after all these years of campaigning, I believe we now have a united campaign in Taintedblood, for everyone infected/affected. Together we are stronger. We have been given a life sentence without parole, while those who are responsible have continued their high flying careers". |
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Darren Flack - contact Darren Darren is new to the scene. Diagnosed with mild Von Willebrands in 1982 at the age of 13 he had never required treatment. He was given imported Factor 8 and sent on his way. Only receiving treatment in emergency cases, Darren led a normal life until
in late 2005 he was diagnosed with Hepatitis C and Cirrhosis of the liver, the treatment he received in 1982 being the cause of the infection. |