Trustees

Di Bishop

As a swimmer, Di represented Great Britain for 10 years, during which time she competed in 2 Olympics, 3 Commonwealth and  3 European Games. As Britain's number one sprint 'freestyler', she became a co-world record holder, a European record holder and silver medallist and a Commonwealth Games Gold medallist.

Di brings a wealth of relevant experience to the Foundation having managed the Sports Development Department at Stockport MBC for 10 years. During this time, Di accepted a secondment to Sport England, where she directed the Inter Agency Project, Sports Plus. This became the genesis for the current School Sport Coordinator programmes which operate throughout the country. In more recent years, Di has worked for the Amateur Swimming Association as Director of Development.

Philippa Rothwell

Philippa is an entrepreneur and Barrie's long standing business partner. Together they founded the direct insurance operation, Premierline Direct, in 2001, taking a ground-breaking business concept and turning it into reality. As Deputy Chief Executive, Philippa managed a number of business-critical functions within Premierline Direct including operations and IT/Internet developments. Prior to this Philippa had held various positions within the IT and Business Development departments of AXA Direct.

Premierline Direct was sold in 2006 and Philippa left the company in 2008. She then rejoined Barrie to create the Wells Sports Foundation, initially offering valuable support to the athlete recruitment process and is now involved in the ongoing management of the Foundation.

Matthew Wells

Matthew is an Online Marketing Analyst and has been involved in the financial services market for the last 16 years, giving him a comprehensive understanding of the UK financial market.

Matthew share’s his father Barrie’s passion for many sports and dedicates a lot of his spare time to attending many sporting events around the world. He is a huge Liverpool FC fan and has taken a personal interest in the Foundation’s Box 4 Kids scheme, providing regular support to its development.

"I vividly recall Barrie talking to me back in 2008 before setting off on his sporting adventure. I'm so delighted to see what a fantastic job he is doing at so many different levels ... elite funding, Athletes 4 Schools and now Box 4 Kids, which are all coming to highly successful fruitions. I can’t wait to see where his wonderful journey finishes up!"

Sue Campbell, Chairman of UK Sport

"For us to be visited by an Olympic Athlete made the topic work we have done and will do come alive. Sam encouraged our pupils to try lots of sports and not focus on just one, a great message whilst pupils are Primary age. An inspiration to our teachers and parents too. Thank you."

Brendan Rouse, St John’s Catholic Primary, Bath, visited by Sam Weale

"Through the Wells Sports Foundation’s work, our students have been able to come face to face with a real champion, giving them a very real sense of what it takes to be one and providing staff and students with the most amazing experience that will inspire us for many months to come."

Rachel Nightingale, Patchway Community College, Bath, visited by Dai Greene