We also welcome Rebecca Trumper into the role of Senior Independent Board Director.

Gary Laybourne

Growing up in an area of disadvantage, Gary found that sport and physical activity at an early age provided the escapism he needed.  He played all sports but found his talents lie with running and subsequently went on to win major medals both in athletics and triathlon.  

At 17 he also started coaching and 25 years on, he is still running competitively and coaching the sport he loves.  A Surrey family man, Gary now also runs with his 8 and 6 year old girls!

Gary’s professional life has been dedicated to coaching and sports development, and he is now the CEO of the Coach Core Foundation, a charity he co-founded and led in 2012.  Coach Core is an innovative youth education and employment programme that uses sports apprenticeships to create lasting change for young people living in the UK’s most challenging communities. 

Katherine Sargent

Katherine has worked in strategic People Development for over 20 years, whilst following her passion for creating a healthier, more inclusive society through her volunteer work.  She is Co-Chair of a gender network with over 10,000 members and has campaigned for better menopause support in the workplace.

Katherine lives in Surrey with her husband and two children.  She previously worked as a fitness instructor and stays active through open-water swimming, yoga, running and fitness classes.  She is an enthusiastic girls’ football team manager and executive coach.

Having recovered from cancer, Katherine has first-hand experience of living with ill health and how physical activity can play a part in helping manage the side effects of treatment and aid recovery.

Rebecca Trumper

Currently Chair of the Finance and Governance Committee, Rebecca has been elected into the role of Active Surrey’s Senior Independent Board Director.  

As a management consultant with Q5, Rebecca brings expertise in governance and aligning roles and functions with an organisation’s strategy, ensuring practical outcomes and improvements. She has worked with senior stakeholders, board members and executives across industries - including the sports sector – to provide support and challenge to leaders seeking strategic business change.

Rebecca, from Coulsdon, runs and cycles regularly, and she particularly enjoys discovering new areas and routes on her travels. After completing a half marathon in 2017 she has switched from road racing to trail running.

Richard Gray, Chair of the Active Surrey Board comments: "I am delighted to welcome Gary and Katherine and pleased that Rebecca has agreed to be our Senior Independent Director. Their passion for physical activity and different experience add significant diversity of thought to our Board as we continue in our goal of empowering everyone in Surrey to move more and gain the benefits that come from staying active."