WHO WE ARE

Name: Matthew Pimm

Role: Chair

Hi my name is Matthew Pimm, I am the Chair of FONDs. I have over 25 years experience of fundraising and event planning from the various community groups I am involved with. I bring expertise and knowledge from my life experience and employment. I have a young family including our dog Willow. Within my working life I combine the role of a full time Firefighter and City Councillor in Newport. I got involved with FONDs to help NCDH offer the dogs at the kennels the care and support they need while they wait to be rehomed. It’s a really rewarding to see our group develop and grow. 

Name: Veronica Sommariva

Role: Deputy Chair and Website

Hi, my name is Veronica, I am Italian living in South Wales since 2013 with my husband David.I have joined Newport City Dogs Home as volunteer dogwalker in 2022 and shortly after they introduced me to Matthew. We hit it off immediately and have from the beginning of 2023 worked hard to grow Fonds step by step both adapting to numerous roles where it was needed. 

I am an Adhd coach with Adhd and have been a technical sales and support in corporate in different industries for over 20 years.

You could say that I am the perfect example of a "foster failure" as I was supposed to foster for two weeks our beautiful girl Jenny (in the picture ) ...this was in 2023! We feel in love and adopted her after one week and changed our lives!

Name: June Brooks

Role: Liason Team lead 

I started as a volunteer dog walker in Cardiff with Friends Of the Dogs in 2015, having previously lost my own dog.  Then moved to Newport in 2017 as their first walker, when Friends Of the Dogs were approached by Newport to set up a volunteer group there. This became Opt To Adopt but COVID brought an end to that.

I learned so much about Dogs from Susie James during those years and have worked closely with the staff.  FONDS have now taken up the mantle and I am very happy to be a part of the team. 

Name: Ims

Role: Secretary and Admin Team

Hi, my name is Ims.  When I'm not working, renovating our house, trying to avoid rescuing anymore cats or doing something with cars, I enjoy volunteer dog walking for NCDH.  So far I've not brought any home (not sure how long this will last).
Joining FONDs is another great way to support the dogs in the care of NCDH.  With my  background in project and programme management, I hope to be able to use some of my skills to help.  Plus I have a great excuse to get out of socialising with humans, as I'm busy with the dogs.
 

Name: Lilian Michael

Role: Fundraiser Team

Hi I am Lilian70 years of age, a retired nurse of 44 years. I have volunteered with several animal charities over the years until Covid hit.I have always had dogs in my life and was brought up with cats, dogs and rabbits.I became a volunteer with FONDs in April 2024. I am excited about the future of FONDs and pleased to be a part of this vibrant group.I am also a dog walker with Newport City dogs Home . I love spending time with the dogs whilst they are waiting for their forever homes.

Name: Sophie Gibbons

Role:  Social Media Team

 Hi my name is Sophie. I have been a member of fonds since may 2024. I also volunteer at NCDH as a dog walker. I have always had dogs since an early age, all different sizes and breeds. Since losing my dog I've decided to help support and help raise money to support the dogs to help make them as comfortable as possible. I help out on social media by making videos for our tiktok by spending time down NCDH and walking them. 

Name: Alison McGregor

Role: Fundraiser Team

 Hi, My name is Troy and this is my hooman Alison,she says I am spoilt and that she has plenty of love to share with other dogs too :D
I joined FONDS because this little fella in the picture saved me and showed me a whole new appreciation for dogs that goes further than any love I could ever explain.
I’ve never been great with people but dogs I can spend hours with so helping with FONDS and knowing you have the opportunity to change a dogs life is the best!
Spending time at the NCDH walking the dogs is just so wholesome and great for my mental health
The best thing about the group? The dog spam ! and the people are nice too!
The worst thing? Apparently you can’t adopt all the dogs lol xx
 

Name: Victoria Duke

Role:  Fundraiser  Team

Hi, I'm Victoria Duke, Resident Certified Canine Behaviourist for Newport Dogs Home for the last year and now for Fonds too.

 In another life I was a successful headteacher with a passion for supporting children in care and those in adoption. My transferable skills enabled me to achieve another degree in Canine Behaviour on top of my Masters and focused expertise in dogs who have faced trauma and those suffering with anxiety or fear based reactivity. 

I am very excited to support the Dogs Home and FONDS in all areas of their work to improve the lives of these wonderful dogs