Trustees

Our Trustees

Our Trustees are responsible for the strategic direction of the Healthier Heroes Foundation.

Andrew Powell

Chairman of the Board

Andrew Powel; is a dedicated leader, veteran, and advocate with a lifelong commitment to service—both in and out of uniform. A proud military veteran, Andrew served with honor and distinction, gaining invaluable experience in leadership, resilience, and strategic operations. His time in the armed forces shaped his values of discipline, integrity, and teamwork—principles he continues to carry into every aspect of his life.

After transitioning from military service as a infantry Colour Sergeant with a successful 16-year career and experience of multiple conflicts will be the Strategic Lead on the proposed project. Andrew made it his mission to support fellow veterans and their families in their own journeys. He actively works to bridge the gap between military and civilian life, offering mentorship, career guidance, and advocacy for veteran-focused programs.

Whether through community outreach, nonprofit initiatives, or public speaking, Andrew is passionate about ensuring that those who served are recognised, supported, and empowered to thrive in their next chapter.

John Lighten
Secretary

John Lighten serves as a valued board member for Healthier Heroes Foundation , bringing with him a wealth of experience, leadership, and a deep commitment to supporting veterans and their families. With a strong background in both public service, John plays a key role in guiding the organisation’s mission to improve the well-being of those who have served.

John’s passion for supporting the veteran community stems from years of working closely with service members, both in professional settings and through personal advocacy. As a board member, he is instrumental in developing strategic partnerships, driving impactful programming, and ensuring the Foundation continues to grow in its outreach and effectiveness.

Known for his thoughtful leadership and unwavering dedication, John Lighten is not only a champion for veteran wellness but also a trusted voice in the broader conversation around mental health, reintegration, and holistic support.

His presence on the board reflects the organisation’s core values: integrity, compassion, and lasting impact.

Sarah Thomson
Treasurer

Sarah Thomson was born in Burnley in 1987, spending her whole childhood living in the town, until she joined the Army in 2011. Prior to leaving she worked for Burnley Football Club, employed in the gym and provided sports coaching sessions to children in the community.

She commissioned from the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst in December 2011 into the Staff and Personnel Support branch. She has been attached to a variety of units where her primary roles have been; providing administration, managing finances, training junior soldiers, and managing officers careers. These units have been 1st Battalion, The Scots Guards with whom she deployed on Op HERRICK 17 in Afghanistan with, The NATO Allied Rapid Reaction Corps, Defence College of Logistics, Policing and Administration, 1st Battalion The Royal Irish, 18 (UKSF) Signal Regiment, Army Personnel Centre and currently within Headquarters North West, Preston.

She currently resides in Weeton, Lancashire with her husband Chris and daughter Darcy. She enjoys being outdoors taking part in Adventurous Training, recently trekking in and out of the Grand Canyon or playing sport, especially hockey. A true Burnley lass, she returns home when she can to spend time with her extended family, including her brother who was an officer in the Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment. Utilising her financial experience whilst supporting veterans within Lancashire makes this appointment the perfect role for Sarah.

Ed Fraser
Trustee

Commissioned in 2001, Colonel Ed Fraser served junior appointments in the 1st Battalion, The King’s Regiment in Iraq, Canada and Norway. He is proud to have then served in three battalions of The Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment. He was a Captain in the 2nd Battalion on its formation, and as a Major, he commanded Burma Company in the 1st Battalion, in Afghanistan, Kenya and Estonia. Between 2022 and 2024 he commanded the 4th Battalion as a Lieutenant Colonel. During battalion command, he spent six months training Ukrainian Armed Forces recruits in the United Kingdom, leading a team of Ukrainian, British, Australian, Canadian, New Zealand and Lithuanian personnel. On promotion to Colonel in November 2024, he was assigned to NATO Multinational Division (North) in Latvia.

Colonel Fraser was a platoon commander at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst and has served both at Army Headquarters and the Operational Training and Advisory Group. He spent two years as Military Assistant to the Commanding General, US Army Europe, and nine months as an advisor to the African Union Mission in Somalia.

Colonel Fraser holds a BA in History and an MA in Defence Studies. He is married to Emily with two teenage sons. With more passion than ability, he stopped playing rugby union and cricket long ago, and lives vicariously through his sons’ sporting triumphs and disasters instead. He runs, cycles, skis shakily and is a poor canoeist. He is a trustee of the Healthier Heroes Foundation, a veterans’ charity based in Lancashire.

Lee Griffiths
Trustee

Lee is a Military Veteran having served for almost 9 years all over the world as a Class One Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineer. Lee left the military and finished off his studies in Mental Health Counselling in West Yorkshire and started Volunteering for The Royal British Legion and for a Methodist Mission supporting some of the most vulnerable in the local area. This then lead to a number of senior roles within the disability charity sector and namely with The Poppy Factory, The Royal British Legion, Charities Aid Foundation, HFT, Henshaws and a number of smaller charities. Lee assisted during the Covid pandemic sourcing and supplying the sector with much needed PPE and delivering patient transport services in West Yorkshire along with assisting with the mobile Test and Trace centres. Lee can always be found supporting local causes, his son’s school and runs a property maintenance business covering Greater Manchester.