More about our volunteers
Mike Ayres · Club Chair
I’m Mike, one of the founding members and currently Chair of NLFR. I set up two local fell races (Rombald’s Romp and Kettlewell Anniversary) which my NLFR colleagues and I organise each year to encourage runners into fell running. As Chair I see my role as one of encouragement, handing out well-deserved prizes and trying to get as many out into the fells as often as possible.
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Jen Roberts · Club Secretary
Hi, I’m Jen. It’s my role to help organise this brilliant bunch of runners! I joined the club in 2022, drawn in by the incredibly warm and welcoming community. It’s clear that everyone here shares a deep love for the fells and truly enjoys spending time together.
As secretary, I’m passionate about promoting that same inclusive, supportive spirit. Whatever your ability, level of commitment, or financial situation, I want to make sure everyone feels welcome and has the opportunity to be part of this fantastic club – and to experience the pure joy of running in the hills together. You can contact me on enquiries@nlfr.co.uk.
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Niamh Jackson · Women’s captain
Hi, I’m Niamh. My role as Women’s Captain is to promote and encourage new and existing team members, and to take part in organised events such as various relays throughout the racing calendar. Hope to see you at a club session soon!
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Tom Sanders · Men’s captain
Hi, I’m Tom. I’ve been running with the club for around three years. As the men’s club captain, my role is to organise the relay races throughout the season. Whether it’s a local mid-week race or a Lakeland classic, I’m there to encourage members of the club to get out and race.
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Caroline Clarke · Treasurer
I have been with the club since its inception and am the acting Treasurer. I co-ordinate all of the financial aspects that come from running a club like NLFR. If you have any questions on payments to or from the club please get in touch via treasurer@nlfr.co.uk
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Jess Davies · Social secretary
Hi, I’m Jess, club social secretary. I co-ordinate our social activities. These include the summer camping trip, the Christmas party, our summer and winter Solstice runs, social weekends around races, and monthly social runs! If you have an idea for a social activity within the club and would like some support in running it then please feel free to get in touch with me on social@nlfr.co.uk.
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Dan Starkey · Welfare Officer
Hello, I’m Dan, the club’s Welfare Officer. My role and what it covers are found here. I help ensure that we look after our club members and make sure the club is a friendly, safe space where everyone feels welcome. I have been running with the club since 2017. If you have any welfare concerns or just want to talk something through feel free to get in touch on welfare@nlfr.co.uk.
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Josh Day · Membership secretary
I’m Josh, as Membership secretary my role is to welcome new members to the club, make them aware of the joining process and make sure everyone who wants to is signed up and paid.
I’ve been with the club since 2021 and I love a midweek BM local race! Hope to see you on the fells soon!
Contact me on membership@nlfr.co.uk.
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Will White · Training coordinator
I’ve ran all over, orienteering, fell running, mountain marathons, ultras and am here to organise the regular Tuesday and Thursday club runs.
I’m interested in getting club members map reading and exploring the gems of the local area.
Send me a message at training@nlfr.co.uk if you would like to know more about our approach to training and social runs.
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Phil Davies · Comms secretary
Hi, I’m Phil! I joined NLFR in 2019 while searching for a social running club that embraced the hills. As the club’s Comms Secretary, I manage our digital channels, sharing updates, race reports, and the many adventures our members get up to. I love showcasing the spirit of fell running and celebrating the achievements of our club, so if you’ve got a story, race result, or epic day out to share, let me know! You can get in touch via comms@nlfr.co.uk, Whatsapp or our socials.
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Emma Lane · Committee Member
I’ve been with the club since 2015. After spending 5 years as women’s captain, I decided to stay on the committee as a general member to support all areas of the committee.
It’s important to me that the club is welcoming, inclusive and a safe space for everyone wanting to share our love for the fells.
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Liz Adams · Committee Member
Hi, I’m Liz. I joined NLFR as it is a very friendly and welcoming club, offering off-road runs all year round as well as regular social events. I’m a general member of the committee, to offer support and input. I hope you can join us for a run soon!
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Sarah Bannister · Committee Member
Hi, I’m Sarah and I joined the club in 2021 after starting to run in the hills by myself during the pandemic. It was so lovely to find such a welcoming group of people who enjoy getting out into the fells as much as I do! I’m on the committee as a general member to help out wherever needed.
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Rachel Sykes · Committee Member
Hi I'm Rachel, I joined the club in 2025 after dithering for too long because I was intimidated...! It's been a joy to find the club full of lovely welcoming people with so much positive energy. I'm a general member on the committee to help where I can with organising events and welcoming new members.
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