Our Patrons and Trustees all have strong connections with Devon and Cornwall. What unites them is a deeply held conviction that excellent medical research, education and innovation, is vital for the delivery of specialist healthcare for patients throughout the SW Peninsula.
Dr Adrian Copplestone, Chair
Adrian qualified in Medicine at Bart’s Hospital in London and trained in Haematology in Southampton and Bournemouth. He was Consultant Haematologist from 1987 to 2015 at University Hospitals Plymouth where he held a number of senior managerial posts. In the Peninsula Medical School, he was Associate Dean for Student Affairs. On retirement, he was made an Emeritus Professor. He held a number of national roles including Chair of the CMO’s Blood Transfusion Committee 2006-09.
Adrian has been Chair of Trustees for the Plymouth and District Leukaemia Fund, a registered charity, since 1997. He took over the Chair of Trustees for the PMF at the postponed AGM on December 5th 2021.
Peter Vosper, Vice-Chair
Peter trained as an accountant and has worked in the motor trade for over 50 years. In 1974, he took over the family firm Vospers, following the death of his father. He built the business across the peninsula to a company employing over 700 people. Peter has served on the Board of the Plymouth Health Authority. He has raised huge sums of money for charitable causes including the Theatre Royal, Devon & Cornwall Cavitron Fund and St Luke’s Hospice.
Hugh Michelmore
Previously a senior partner of Gill Akaster Solicitors, one of Plymouth’s largest firms of solicitors, Hugh qualified in Lincoln’s Inn in London.
He is the Co-founder and Chairman of Peninsula Finance plc, Co-founder and Director of Radio Plymouth and Chairman of Newton Abbot Races Limited.
He was awarded the Freedom of the City of London in 1976 and is a member of the Plymouth Area Business Council.
Hugh has always been an enthusiastic champion for Plymouth and the peninsula.
Professor Terence Lewis, MBE, FRCS
Terence is a distinguished retired Consultant Cardio Thoracic Surgeon.
Before moving to Plymouth in 1997 to found the new Cardiothoracic Unit in Plymouth, he was Consultant at The Royal London and St Bartholomew’s Hospitals. Terence was Medical Director for Plymouth Hospitals between 2000 – 8.
He has held a number of important public roles including Chairman of Plymouth Marine Laboratories, Governor of Plymouth University, Chairman of Plymouth University Medical School, Trustee of St Luke’s Hospice, Director of Heartswell House, and Founder Chairman of Project Equinox.
In 2017 he was awarded an MBE for services to the integration of science in the West of England (Marine) Royal College of Surgeons of England. He has received the international award, the Sir Clement Price Thomas medal for services to cardiac Surgery.
Geoff Beak, Treasurer
Geoff Beak is a recently retired chartered accountant having operated his practice in Plymouth for 45 years.
Geoff has extensive knowledge of charity operations having been treasurer / trustee of Gables Dogs and Cats home for over 30 years.
Dr Martin Brooke
Martin is retired after working at Treliske in developmental paediatrics and CAMHS and for SOS Children for 5 years in Malawi and Madagascar. He is now president of St John’s Ambulance for Cornwall.
He is married with two grown-up children, and three step children.
In his spare time he keeps fit, sailing, playing tennis, and walking the dog. He has always been a North coaster, and still is.
Peter Whitfield
Peter Whitfield is a consultant neurosurgeon at the South West Neurosurgery Centre, University Hospitals, Plymouth.
Peter trained in neurosurgery in Cambridge and undertook a PhD on the molecular responses of the brain ischaemia (lack of blood flow). His clinical work includes neurovascular cases and neuro-oncological cases. He has published a book on Traumatic Brain Injury, is the Lead Co-Editor of the Neuroanatomy Section of Gray’s Surgical Anatomy and is currently co-editing a book on Emergency Neurosurgery. Peter has published many scientific papers and presented at many National and International conferences.
He has enjoyed being President of the Society of British Neurological Surgeons (2022-24) and has interests in professionalism and training. He was Chairman of the European Examination Board from 2015-2023. Peter is an Honorary Professor at the University of Plymouth and is also a member of the Council and the Cases Committee at the Medical Defence Union.
Peter looks forward to helping support medical research in the South West through the Peninsula Medical Foundation.
Dr Sophia Wrigley
Sophia qualified in medicine from Bristol University and undertook anaesthetic training in London. Her first consultant appointment was at the then newly merged Royal London and St Bartholomew Hospital Trust before moving to University Hospitals Plymouth in 1997 until 2020. Sophia held a variety of senior management roles including Clinical Director Anaesthetics, Theatres and Pain; Chair Hospital Transfusion Committee; and Guardian of Safe Working Hours for Doctors in Training. She was peer elected to Chair Hospital Medical Staff Committee and the Local Negotiating Committee. Sophia has also served as a school governor (deputy chair and responsible for Head Teacher appraisal).