Meet the Angels

Martin Brunning brings his experience from a distinguished 30-year career in policing, retiring as Assistant Chief Constable. 

Throughout his career, Martin led major investigations, supported victims of crime, and championed the wellbeing of police officers and staff at a national level. 

Passionate about helping those affected by domestic abuse, he brings extensive leadership experience, strategic insight, and a deep commitment to supporting survivors and their families as they rebuild their lives.

Angela Peart is an experienced business leader with over 25 years’ expertise in operations, leadership, and organisational development. 

Passionate about empowering women and supporting purpose-led organisations, she brings strategic insight, strong governance, and a people-focused approach to The Angels Foundation UK.

Angela founded the Women’s Utilities Network, supporting thousands of women across the UK, and has spent much of her career building successful, people-focused organisations. She is committed to creating strong, supportive environments where both individuals and charities can thrive

Shirley Marais is an Integrative Counsellor and Registered Member of the NCPS and BACP, bringing a wealth of experience to The Angels Foundation UK. 

As founder of the Aloe Counselling Training Centre, she is passionate about raising professional standards and mentoring future therapists. 

Specialising in relationship therapy, Shirley draws on a range of approaches and teaches CPCAB qualifications, combining expertise with compassionate practice.

 www.aloecounsellingtraining.co.uk 

Annmarie is a qualified Occupational Psychologist and Integrative Counsellor and is the Angels Foundation Counselling Agency and Placement Manager.

She supports clients and oversees counselling placements. 

A member of the BPS and Accredited NCPS Member, Annmarie has held senior professional roles and volunteered supporting carers of dementia patients. Annmarie is also a volunteer grief talk facilitator for a local Hospice.

Possessing an MSc in Occupational Psychology with Distinction and qualified as a coach, Karen specialises in supporting clients who have experienced domestic abuse.

Karen is experienced in helping individuals navigate emotions surrounding loss, whether that is the loss of a loved one, identity, safety, or other life changes that significantly impact both individuals and families.

Alongside her work with The Angels Foundation UK, Karen is also a facilitator for the Skylark Domestic Abuse Recovery Programme and volunteers supporting members of the Armed Forces community and their families. Karen also has vast experience within the HM Prison and Probation Service (HMPPS).

Karen is the heart behind so much of what we do at The Angels Foundation UK. She lovingly supports our Angels in need when referrals come in, ensuring families receive the essential items they need to rebuild their homes. 

From organising donations to coordinating furniture collections, Karen makes it all happen. She says volunteering is one of the most rewarding things she’s ever done, knowing a family can begin to feel safe, settled, and not alone means everything to her.

This amazing team helps us each week with collections and deliveries, always going above and beyond to support families rebuilding their lives after domestic abuse.

Without their help, we simply wouldn’t be able to deliver the essential household items needed to turn empty houses into safe homes.

If you have access to a van, hold an up-to-date DBS check, and would like to volunteer for a meaningful cause, we would love to hear from you. Please get in touch and let us know which days you may be available to support us.

(Expenses are reimbursed)