Meet the Team
Gerry joined the GAA as a Director in 2018 and has been actively involved in contributing both operationally and strategically to the charity. Whether it’s participating in fundraising events or contributing at board meetings, Gerry is always willing to play a hands-on role.
With a longstanding career in the finance industry, particularly in the area of compliance, Gerry brings a strong foundation of professional expertise to his work within the charity sector. His motivation for supporting the Association is also deeply personal; his mother lived with Alzheimer’s and giving back to this cause is both meaningful and fulfilling.
Beyond his professional and voluntary work, Gerry enjoys travelling – whether it’s a quick trip to reconnect with friends and family or a long-haul to unwind in beautiful surroundings - and values spending quality time with family.
With a longstanding career in the finance industry, particularly in the area of compliance, Gerry brings a strong foundation of professional expertise to his work within the charity sector. His motivation for supporting the Association is also deeply personal; his mother lived with Alzheimer’s and giving back to this cause is both meaningful and fulfilling.
Beyond his professional and voluntary work, Gerry enjoys travelling – whether it’s a quick trip to reconnect with friends and family or a long-haul to unwind in beautiful surroundings - and values spending quality time with family.
Gerry Ashplant
Director
Julie joined the GAA as Centre Manager in 2019 and was soon appointed to the Board of Directors. Her role encompasses the daily running and administration of the centre, supporting those living with dementia and their carers, co-ordinating the respite service, leading fundraising efforts, and organising inclusive events that bring the community together. Julie most enjoys seeing carers and those with dementia living their best lives - finding joy, connection, and dignity in every moment.
Julie brings a wealth of experience and compassion to her role. She began her career in the travel industry, launching her own agency at just 23, and spent over two decades helping others explore the world. She eventually transitioned into the health sector, working first as a receptionist and then as a personal assistant in a busy medical practice, experiences that deepened her understanding of patient care and community support.
Outside of work, she loves walking her two dogs, Rosie and Edie, and spending quality time with her husband, Sam.
Julie brings a wealth of experience and compassion to her role. She began her career in the travel industry, launching her own agency at just 23, and spent over two decades helping others explore the world. She eventually transitioned into the health sector, working first as a receptionist and then as a personal assistant in a busy medical practice, experiences that deepened her understanding of patient care and community support.
Outside of work, she loves walking her two dogs, Rosie and Edie, and spending quality time with her husband, Sam.
Julie Thompson
Centre Manager & Board Member
Mark joined the GAA’s Board as Treasurer in 2025 and is responsible for overseeing the charity’s finances, including monitoring budgets, advising on financial strategy and managing the bookkeeping. Mark was Co-Founder of the charity Friends of GreenAcres and sought another opportunity to assist families experiencing dementia when the charity closed.
Born and raised in Guernsey, Mark has spent the majority of his finance career within the island. Mark qualified as an Accountant in 2001, and became a Fellow of the Association of Certified Chartered Accountants in 2006. He was also a Principal of Jupiter Trustees Limited, re-branded to Orbitus Group, before retiring in 2023.
Mark is a keen sportsman, having represented the island in rugby during his playing days. An avid rugby supporter, he also enjoys fitness and can be regularly seen on the golf course, cheering on the Raiders/Vikings, cycling, walking or in the gym.
Born and raised in Guernsey, Mark has spent the majority of his finance career within the island. Mark qualified as an Accountant in 2001, and became a Fellow of the Association of Certified Chartered Accountants in 2006. He was also a Principal of Jupiter Trustees Limited, re-branded to Orbitus Group, before retiring in 2023.
Mark is a keen sportsman, having represented the island in rugby during his playing days. An avid rugby supporter, he also enjoys fitness and can be regularly seen on the golf course, cheering on the Raiders/Vikings, cycling, walking or in the gym.
Mark de la Rue
Treasurer
Vanessa is an invaluable member of the GAA and plays a key role in the day-to-day running of the office. Her responsibilities span far beyond administration, encompassing support for activities, social events, and fundraising initiatives. She thrives on being part of a dedicated and compassionate team and values the opportunity to meet and connect with the many inspiring individuals involved with the Association.
Vanessa began her career as a Practice Manager at a local dental practice before joining the Medical Specialist Group, where she was PA to a Consultant Gynaecologist and Obstetrician. When he retired, she continued to support him in his new position as Commander of St John Ambulance, taking on the role of Bailiwick Manager. She furthered her career skills within the management team at Les Cotils before joining the Association in 2021
Outside of work, Vanessa is an avid sea swimmer and gym-goer, and she volunteers weekly with a disabled swimming group. She also enjoys walking her two dogs and spending quality time with her family and wide circle of friends.
Vanessa began her career as a Practice Manager at a local dental practice before joining the Medical Specialist Group, where she was PA to a Consultant Gynaecologist and Obstetrician. When he retired, she continued to support him in his new position as Commander of St John Ambulance, taking on the role of Bailiwick Manager. She furthered her career skills within the management team at Les Cotils before joining the Association in 2021
Outside of work, Vanessa is an avid sea swimmer and gym-goer, and she volunteers weekly with a disabled swimming group. She also enjoys walking her two dogs and spending quality time with her family and wide circle of friends.
Vanessa Marsh
Team Member
Phil joined the GAA in 2023 and brings a wealth of energy and enthusiasm to his role. His responsibilities include supporting community engagement initiatives, assisting with planning our charity golf day, and motivating individuals and corporate partners to actively participate in fundraising efforts. Phil is especially driven by the chance to give back to the community, promoting an inclusive and active environment for all.
As the owner of a sports retail and coaching company, Phil combines business acumen and the valuable contacts he has developed through his business to support the charity's growth, making him a key asset to the Board of Directors.
Outside of his professional and volunteering commitments, Phil enjoys travelling and playing golf.
As the owner of a sports retail and coaching company, Phil combines business acumen and the valuable contacts he has developed through his business to support the charity's growth, making him a key asset to the Board of Directors.
Outside of his professional and volunteering commitments, Phil enjoys travelling and playing golf.
Phil Sykes
Committee Member
Stephen has been Chairman of the GAA since 2016, providing strategic leadership and ensuring the charity stays focused on its key aims and objectives. Stephen is also an avid champion for supporting individuals and families affected by dementia.
Stephen began his career as a Public Library Librarian, first in London and later in Guernsey, until his retirement. Beyond his role at the GAA, Stephen actively volunteers with St James and serves as a Trustee of Dementia Friendly Guernsey, contributing his time and insight to initiatives that foster understanding and accessibility.
In his leisure time, Stephen enjoys playing the piano at home, reading widely, and tending to his garden. He is a keen supporter of the arts, regularly attending concerts, art exhibitions, theatre productions, and cinema screenings. His appreciation for culture and creativity enriches both his personal life and his contributions to the community.
Stephen began his career as a Public Library Librarian, first in London and later in Guernsey, until his retirement. Beyond his role at the GAA, Stephen actively volunteers with St James and serves as a Trustee of Dementia Friendly Guernsey, contributing his time and insight to initiatives that foster understanding and accessibility.
In his leisure time, Stephen enjoys playing the piano at home, reading widely, and tending to his garden. He is a keen supporter of the arts, regularly attending concerts, art exhibitions, theatre productions, and cinema screenings. His appreciation for culture and creativity enriches both his personal life and his contributions to the community.
Stephen Collas
Chairman
Jo joined the GAA in 2023 and plays a vital role in overseeing numerous activities, from spearheading fundraising efforts and undertaking administrative tasks to supporting carers and those directly affected by dementia. Having first-hand experience of dementia and Alzheimer’s, Jo has a deep personal connection to the cause and appreciates the strong sense of purpose the team shares.
Jo began her career in the financial sector, where she developed strong organisational, administrative, and governance skills. She later transitioned into the healthcare sector, supporting Consultants in the Obstetrics & Gynaecology Department as a PA.
The move to the GAA was inspired by personal experience and a desire to make a meaningful impact and a real difference in the local community.
Outside of work, Jo finds joy in walking with her dog, sea swimming, and spending time with her family and friends.
Jo began her career in the financial sector, where she developed strong organisational, administrative, and governance skills. She later transitioned into the healthcare sector, supporting Consultants in the Obstetrics & Gynaecology Department as a PA.
The move to the GAA was inspired by personal experience and a desire to make a meaningful impact and a real difference in the local community.
Outside of work, Jo finds joy in walking with her dog, sea swimming, and spending time with her family and friends.