New faces
We have three new faces to introduce you to this issue: one new staff member and two new trustees. We’ re excited to see what God will do through each of them!
Grace Bloxham – Staff
Hello!! I’ m Grace – the new Roofbreaker Co-ordinator for Scotland, Northern Ireland and Northern England. In my spare time I love watching films( with snacks), going on scenic countryside walks, reading, drinking good coffee, and listening to Taylor Swift.
I’ ve lived in the North of England my whole life until I moved to study at London School of Theology. I met some lovely people, including my husband Peter, and learned so much about God, the Bible and the Church.
During my final year of university, I discovered my passion for disability awareness. I grew up with a disabled parent, and was diagnosed with a chronic illness in 2021, so providing equal opportunities for disabled people has always been close to my heart. I’ m really excited to get more churches energised and equipped for this important mission.
Matt Lloyd – Trustee
I live in Bromley where I really enjoy being married to Ruth and raising our young children, Grace and Tom. I work as Associate Vicar at Christ Church Bromley and am particularly involved in encouraging people in evangelism and sharing the good news of Jesus.
12 years ago, I had a rare spinal abscess which has led to me using a wheelchair. It’ s been a big adjustment, with some sadness and harder times. But I’ ve also seen the Lord’ s provision in wonderful ways over those years and am learning to trust our Father, the Potter, as he shapes our lives for His glory and our good. In those years I’ ve been blessed by the work of Through the Roof and count it a privilege to serve as a trustee. I’ m fully with the vision to‘ Transform Lives through Jesus with disabled people’; I’ m sure He wants to use us all and is able to do so!
Steve Simper – Trustee
I worked in the NHS and social care over four decades to improve healthcare, children’ s services, and support for those with learning difficulties. I became Director of Inclusion at Epsom and St Helier University Hospitals NHS Trust. I now run a business and serve in various roles in my church and community, including being a non-executive Director with Sense, and honorary Finance Director for a London research institute.
Reflecting Isaiah 64:8, my life is shaped by resilience and purpose. Despite my blindness, I approach life with enthusiasm, undertaking daring adventures including ice-skating, walking over the O2, parasailing … even driving at Brands Hatch!
I’ m deeply connected to my family, cherishing moments with my four adult children and three grandchildren. My faithful guide dog, Freeman, is a constant companion, bringing joy and warmth to everyone we encounter.
My life is, I hope, a powerful example of how obstacles can be transformed into opportunities for growth and service. My experience proves that visual impairment is no barrier to living fully and contributing meaningfully to one’ s community.
Vital Link Spring 2025 | www. throughtheroof. org