Chair Of Trustees
David Walker MA
With over 30 years of senior leadership experience across the military, public sector, and cultural organisations, David joined Newmarket Open Door as a trustee in June 2025 after visiting the charity and seeing its fantastic work to support homeless young people, and others in our local community facing hardship. He brings a strategic mindset, operational discipline, and a deep understanding of team leadership.
A former officer in the Royal Air Force Regiment, David left the RAF and joined the NHS and became the head of emergency planning in the Midlands and East regions where he set strategic directions, and built cultures of accountability, integrity, and continuous improvement. During the Covid pandemic, David was the Chief of Staff in the National Covid Response Centre which needed organisational ability and the building and sustaining of relationships with stakeholders, community groups, and strategic partners.
In his spare time, David runs a battlefield tours business, and he has been a member of the Royal Antediluvian Order of Buffaloes charity for over 40 years. He is a volunteer with the Commonwealth War Graves Commission and is a volunteer tour guide at the Museum of Cambridge.
Sandra Greatrex
Sandra is a dedicated trustee at Newmarket Open Door, bringing with her a wealth of experience in community support and mental health services. A long-time advocate for the wellbeing of others, Sandra’s professional background spans management roles in mental health and substance misuse services in Cambridge.
She holds both a degree and a postgraduate qualification in psychology and education from the University of Cambridge, and has spent much of her career working directly with individuals, couples, families, and young people. In addition to her professional work, Sandra has generously volunteered her time with a number of charitable organisations, including the Christian Crisis Line, Rape Crisis, Victim Support, and Relate.
Now semi-retired, Sandra continues to support young adults with autism, learning disabilities and physical impairments one day a week during term time. A committed Christian and active member of Newmarket Community Church, she is passionate about serving her local community and brings a deep sense of compassion and commitment to her role at Newmarket Open Door. Her long-standing affection for Newmarket, nurtured through years of visiting with her daughter and granddaughters, underpins her heartfelt contribution to the charity.
Rev. Robert Otule
Rev. Robert Otule has served as Vicar at All Saints Church in Newmarket since 2022. Originally from Uganda, Robert moved to the UK 35 years ago and brings a wealth of personal and pastoral experience to the Board of Trustees at Open Door, which he joined in 2023.
Having experienced homelessness earlier in his life, Robert has a deep understanding of the challenges faced by the young people Open Door supports. He is passionate about the charity’s mission and is committed to helping young people rebuild their lives and realise their potential.
Martin Wells
Martin, who joins the Board of Trustees at Open Door in July 2025, lives in Soham and works in the field of health and safety. He is actively involved with The Ark Church in Isleham and serves as a governor at St Andrew’s School in Soham.
Alongside his professional expertise, Martin brings extensive experience in fostering, having supported children with his wife, Lorna, for many years. He is committed to contributing his safeguarding knowledge and community insight to help strengthen Open Door’s work with young people and ensure the charity continues to provide a safe, supportive environment for those it serves.
Steven Maddox
Steven brings extensive experience to the Open Door Board of Trustees, having served 12 years in the Royal Artillery and held roles as a lorry mechanic and a drug and alcohol support worker.
Steven has a long-standing connection with Open Door, having worked as a support worker at Portland House when it first opened. After a period away, he returned as a trustee before taking on the role of Operations Manager, where he was instrumental in growing the charity and helping to establish the Open Door charity superstore to raise vital funds. Now retired, Steven has rejoined the Board of Trustees, where he continues to provide practical, hands‑on support. He remains an active and committed trustee, drawing on his extensive experience to contribute directly to the day‑to‑day work and long‑term goals of the charity.
Sarah Akinsanya
Sarah brings over a decade of experience in primary education to her role as a trustee, having worked in two local schools in Newmarket. Her background as a teacher gives her a deep understanding of the challenges children and families face, as well as the importance of creating supportive, nurturing environments, values that align closely with the work of Newmarket Open Door.
With strong communication skills, a natural ability to engage with young people, and a passion for inclusion, Sarah offers thoughtful insight into safeguarding, youth engagement, and the needs of families accessing our services. Her professional experience in education also equips her with valuable skills in organisation, teamwork, and leadership.
A long-time Newmarket resident and committed member of Kingsgate Church in Cambridge, where she co-leads the children’s team, Sarah is driven by her faith and a deep desire to see lives transformed through compassion and community.