About
I created my charity, Jo’s Hope because I believe in giving others hope. It has always been an ambition of mine to do something that helped and changed the lives of others, and when I was diagnosed with breast cancer, I decided to pursue my ambitions.
“Hope Is Being Able to See That There Is Light Despite All of the Darkness”
- Desmond Tutu
Meet the Team
Our team consists of Joanna and Amy who work continuously to ensure that Jo’s Hope makes a difference to many lives.
Joanna Tomkin
I studied LLB Law at Teesside University. This is the place I consider to have grown and flourished. I then went on to complete an LLM in International Law at Leeds University followed by being called to the Bar of England and Wales through City Law School and Middle Temple. During this time, I was the first black female president the 400-year-old inn had called. Throughout this time, I was immersed into a new world. A year after completing the Bar, family tragedy struck, and I gave up my legal pursuit to go home to Huddersfield to be with my family.
Before I could blink, a year had passed and I decided that pursuing something in the criminal justice field might suit my attributes better. It was then I applied to become an unpaid work supervisor for Thames Valley Probation. During this time, I progressed to become a Probation Service Officer at HMP Woodhill. Whilst at HMP Woodhill I was engrossed and subjected to a type of new world order. A self-governing entity through external support. It is only fair to say that whilst here I made some lifelong friends and witnessed first-hand the trials and tribulations of running a prison and being incarcerated.
Amy Palmer
I'm Amy, and I have been a fully qualified makeup artist since 2011. I developed a love for makeup because of the endless possibilities that you can do with it. I grew up with a scar on my face from an unfortunate accident when I was 7, and since then, I have been fascinated on how to cover it and conceal it. I have tried multiple products and techniques. The results are amazing if camouflage makeup is done properly and with the right products, it can be waterproof. I want to help people with my knowledge and talent to be able to give life-changing advice that will boost self-confidence and well-being. You do not have to spend a fortune to be able to have professional results.
Fiona Mackintosh - Grants Officer
I am Fiona, a single mum with a disability who does not believe that a disability or life affecting illness defines who someone is.
I have a BSc in psychology and criminal behaviour and was lucky enough to present my dissertation to the BPS conference. I also have a PGCE in post compulsory education and currently work as a tutor for a small independent training provider; specialising in students that mainstream education did not help. I am passionate about promoting the abilities of those that society has dismissed or written off and work very closely with 10 high needs learners, helping them to develop and progress, assisting with EHCP reviews and representing their needs in a quality improvement group.
I have also been lucky enough to work with ex-offenders and demonstrate the potential that these people have if given the chance and am actively involved in the National Citizen Service programme, again helping to change lives, outlooks and futures.
Tracey Read - Secretary
I am a mum to two grown up boys, Christopher and Matthew and wife to Paul. I worked for Royal Mail for 36 years, most recently overseeing employee engagement, talent and learning, and industrial relations. In the summer of 2014 I decided to leave Royal Mail and venture into something new.
In the November of 2014 I was delighted to join St Clare Hospice, Hastingwood Harlow in the role of Organisational Development Director. My role at St Clare involves heading our human resources and voluntary services departments as well as being responsible for our education and training and quality and audit leads. I love this job it enables me to Supporting our staff and volunteers so they can continue providing the incredible care that St Clare is renowned for.
I have an MBA, a Masters degree in Human Resources and Industrial Relations and successfully completed the Oxford University, Said Business School Leadership Excellence Programme.
A two times survivor of breast cancer, I take each day as it comes, I am proud to support Jo’s Hope.
Contact our breast cancer charity for more information about our inspirational team.