It’s an honour and a privilege to lead Ara recovery for all in the successful growth and fantastic life changing outcomes we achieve. We do this with a wonderful team of motivated staff with the unswerving and tireless work of our Board of trustees.

So, it with a heavy heart that I write to tell you that the Chair of our Board of Trustees Tony Collins sadly and suddenly died on Monday 8th April .

Tony has been Chair of Ara for the past 5 years and was passionate about the work we do and all of us that do it.

Many of you will have known him and talked to him as he wandered round the office and attended events like the opening of the Bangor Office and launch of the specialist housing service.

His leadership of the Board was absolutely first class.

Tony was an irrepressible force for good in the world both in his work for Ara, and throughout his life, and his passion and commitment to this charity and supporting people in need will continue to spur us on in future years.

We keep in touch with Tony’s wife and two sons Claire, Jack and Harry and have sent them our deepest sympathy and love.