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, Trustee & Deputy 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, Trustee

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.

Denis Wilkins Fundraising Lead

Denis qualified in Liverpool in 1966 and took up surgical training at Addenbrookes in Cambridge following a spell as MO at Halley Bay for the British Antarctic Survey.  He completed his training at Barts in London and was appointed to Plymouth in 1979 as consultant surgeon.  He was closely involved in the foundation of the Medical School and is a founder member of the PMF.

Rosalie James

Ros James has been a director of PMF since July 2019, prior to which she was actively involved in promoting PMF.

Ros is a commercial finance broker with over 28 years’ experience as a broker and was a founder member of the National Association of Commercial Finance brokers. In 2015 Ros was awarded a Lifetime Achievement Award by the National Association of Commercial Finance Brokers at the Association AGM, at Olympia, London.

Ros is also a director of the Royal Western Yacht Club and a Lord/Lady Taverner for over 25 years.

Ros’s lifestyle interests include yoga, keeping 2 donkeys and she is a very keen gardener.

Michael Plant

Mike Plant has been a director of PMF since July 2019, prior to which was actively involved in promoting PMF.

Mike is a commercial finance broker and also a retired lawyer.

Mike is married to Rosalie James and shares her passion for keeping 2 donkeys, in addition to which he is an avid reader, and has a keen interest in history.

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.

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