NMC Team

Bill Duckworth

Chair of Trustees

Bill has spent his entire professional life working in the steel industry, starting in South Wales in 1987 before re-locating to Chester in 2000. He has held a number of management roles within Sales, IT, Logistics and Manufacturing. He joined the NMC Trustees in 2021 and became Chair in 2024.

Bill has a longstanding connection with NMC as we have supported his wife, Andrea, for many years. He applied to join the Trustees to make a broader use of his management experience but, more importantly, to try and repay the debt of gratitude he has for the Centre after so many years of physical and emotional help for his family.

Nick Farmer

Interim Chief Executive Officer

Nick brings extensive experience in leadership, strategic planning, governance and performance improvement across the voluntary, public and commercial sectors. Nick has led complex services, supported executive teams, and helped organisations translate strategic ambition into meaningful and sustainable impact.

Known for building strong, trust-based partnerships, Nick believes that collaboration, communication and shared purpose are fundamental to achieving positive outcomes.

Nick is passionate about supporting people to live with dignity, independence and connection, and is committed to strengthening our mission to support people living with neuromuscular conditions. Nick is also Chair of Trustees for Age UK Mid-Mersey.

Ben Dale

Head of Operations

Ben joined the Centre in 1997 as a Trainee Business Manager, when we were about a quarter of our current size in terms of turnover. We were a small team in a very challenging period for the charity, but we survived and have gone on to thrive with significant growth in income, numbers in our community, and services provided.

Ben is now Head of Operations and ensures the smooth running of the Centre. Ben’s responsibilities include Finance Management, Payroll and HR. He also manages our NHS funding relationships and Fundraising.

Paul Orme

Head of Physiotherapy

Paul first came to NMC in 2012 as a student and fell in love with the holistic approach to treatment and the serenity of the surroundings. After volunteering for several months, he joined the team and progressed to Clinical Lead and then Head of Physiotherapy in 2022.

Paul makes sure our service offers the highest standards and best experience for the people in our care, providing our team with continual professional development to further their skills and knowledge. He is particularly interested in exercise, cardiac rehabilitation and wellbeing.

Claire James

Head of Engagement

Claire joined NMC as Fundraising Events Manager in 2011 on a temporary contract, organising and delivering events such as Spirit of Christmas and Live in the Park. Claire became a permanent member of the team the following year, and in 2018 took on a marketing role.

Claire has been Head of Engagement since 2025 and is responsible for increasing our reach and enhancing our reputation as the leading organisation for people affected by neuromuscular conditions. This involves leading a team to produce all NMC’s promotional materials and expanding our digital presence through our website and social media.

Sarah Lalieu

Head of Support

Sarah first joined the NMC community in 2013 as a Physiotherapy Client, and became part of the staff team in 2019, coordinating our Connect Up social activities and events. Sarah then took a role as Careers and Employment Manager, helping people with neuromuscular conditions find meaningful voluntary and paid opportunities.

Since January 2026, Sarah has been our Head of Support, leading the team to provide vital services and opportunities to our community, including The Hub and Makerspace. Sarah brings a wealth of personal experience and empathy to the role, and is looking forward to broadening our support services at NMC.