The Pied Piper Appeal has welcomed two new Trustees to its Trustees board, which supports the work of the Gloucestershire children’s charity.

Mike Everson was born and raised in Gloucester and attended the Crypt School. He then started an apprenticeship at Hazelwood and trained to become a qualified accountant before moving on to senior finance roles within businesses in Gloucester.

A sport-loving, family man Mike lives in Gloucester with his wife and two young daughters, and Arwen the Staffie. When not busy with family life, he enjoys playing football, going to the cinema, running and following Gloucester Rugby.

Mike has supported the Pied Piper Appeal and helped the charity from a financial perspective for several years. “I am proud and pleased to now take on a closer role and be more involved as a Trustee and help Pied Piper continue its invaluable and important work across Gloucestershire.

Ben Caton began his career within private healthcare for Nuffield Health. He left to start Titan Performance Gyms UK, a specialist gym and physiotherapy clinic that supports professional sports teams in multiple disciplines. Titan completed an annual and gruelling 24-hour challenge in support of the Pied Piper and raised over £15,000 in the past two years.

Ben Caton is a founder of Wellmi, a wellbeing app used by thousands of students across Gloucestershire, and the recipient of a Microsoft Sponsorship award. He combined his previous experience across health and wellbeing support, global sustainability, and lifestyle into his current role as managing director of Ergochair. This firm is the market-leading manufacturer of specialist office seating for employees with postural needs in the UK, also supplying in Europe, Australasia, and North America.

His passion for technology, innovation, and a sustainable world is present in all he does. “I am excited to begin the next step of my Pied Piper journey and continue to help make a difference to as many children’s lives as we can.”

“I am equally humbled and excited to join the board of trustees. The county of Gloucestershire has given so much to me and my family over the years, and I have been privileged to see first-hand the huge support that Pied Piper gives. I can’t wait to play my part in that journey.”

Nick Broady, chair of the Pied Piper Appeal said: “We are pleased to have Mike and Ben join the team and bring new ideas and skills to the governance mix! Their professionalism and vast experience will be invaluable.

“Both have been involved with the charity over recent years and this cements their passion for helping children in our county.

“We look forward to working closely with all Trustees and the charity’s team to help Pied Piper continue to deliver excellence across health and wellbeing and the academic journey for sick and disabled children. I wish them every success with their new roles and responsibilities.”

Mike and Ben join Roger Head OBE DL who is chairman of the Trustees supported by Nick Broady, chair of the Appeal and Julie Kent MBE, Appeal vice chair. Other trustees include Marcus Gomery, Jonathan Viney, Richard Wilkey, Cathryn Hage, Kevin Day, Clara Thompson, Steven Joule and Tim Fry.