MaccPride - Pride in Macclesfield
Meet the Committee

Meet the Committee

Sue Armitt – Chair

Colourful, spectacle wearing, Larger than Life, and Wishful Thinking, 65 year old Maxonian Granny, with silver hair, 2 hearing aids and arthritis.  I love aquafit, darts and poetry (but not at same time). A regular at Funny Girls Blackpool since 1994 and I adore performing in Panto, Parades and Doc Martens.

Privileged owner of a Blankety Blank cheque book and pen and I met Michelle Visage on the show. The very lovely Kylie Minogue jumped on stage to dance with me during The Voice

Very proud to be part of the 3 generations of MaccPride involved since the start in 2018, with daughter Paula and granddaughter Sophie.

Jo Stratford-Whittingham – Vice Chair

As Vice Chair of Macc Pride, I work alongside our Chair, Sue Armitt, and a dedicated team of passionate individuals committed to making a positive difference. I feel strongly about promoting equality, improving the rights and opportunities of the LGBTQ+ community, and helping to remove the barriers that can prevent people from living fulfilling, authentic lives. Creating meaningful change, celebrate diversity, and contributing to creating a more inclusive and welcoming community for everyone.

Paula Parkes – Secretary, Social Media, March Coordinator

I am mother to 3 fabulous children.  I have been involved with MaccPride since 2018 when my daughter co-founded it with her friend.  I am secretary for MaccPride, Social Media and Website, Parade-March co-ordinator and I am also part of the Stage Production Team.  I am a passionate ally and promote alI things LGBTQ+.  I have enjoyed going to Funny Girls in Blackpool since I was 18 years old and love anything glittery.

Rachel Wisson – Treasurer

I have been a member of the Macc Pride committee for 3 years and during this time my role and involvement within the organisation have grown significantly. I am now the Treasurer and volunteer co ordinator of MaccPride, allowing me to contribute more actively to our work and the wider LGBTQ+ community. As a bisexual woman, I am passionate about supporting equality, inclusion, and positive change.
Outside of MaccPride, I enjoy walking my two dogs, listening to music, singing karaoke, and cooking. These interests help me maintain a positive balance between my personal life and my commitment to supporting an inclusive and welcoming community.

Serena Lavin – Committee Member

Worked for the NHS (Mental Health) for 18 Years

Passionate about making sure everyone is included and feel like they are safe and belong in their community

Plans For Pride, Creating a pride everyone can enjoy, Having load of fun. Raising awareness of the LBQTQ+ community

Kerry McKeith – Committee Member

Hello, I’m Kerry McKeith and a passionate ally for the LGBTQ+ community. I am married with two adult daughters who are both bisexual.
I currently work in a secondary school for the SEND department and run an afterschool club for the LGBTQ+ community within the school, I am also a therapeutic counsellor and have been for 11 years.
I became a volunteer for Macc Pride from the very first event in 2018 and have supported them as much as I have been able to over the years. Recently, I became a Trustee and now a Committee member and enjoy getting involved with all things Pride. I will find any excuse to wear glitter and love meeting new people.

Laura Doherty – Committee Member

Info to be added

Mikki Tiamo – Web Site

All my life I have struggled both with my gender identity and my sexuality, and after over a year of psychotherapy, that I was diagnosed with gender dysphoria and body dysphoria and my journey to my true self began.

Since November of 2019, I have lived my life full time as a woman and have been undergoing gender reassignment treatment, so that my physical body can match my psyche.

Because on this journey, there is a lack of information available, fighting the medical profession and also legal processes involved,  I have become an advocate for transgender help and rights.

I publish articles on both on my own blog and other websites and publications.

More information can be found on my blog at : https://mikkitiamo.com

Jenni Duggan – Safeguarding Lead

I’m Jen (she/her), I have been involved with MaccPride since the very beginning. I am currently part of the Committee within the charity. As a Committee member my role is Safeguarding Lead, I am responsible to ensure that all our members enjoy all activities and events we put on safely. I am also the person that would liaise with other agencies if a person was at risk of harm. I am always on hand to advise and guide any member of MaccPride. I have 20 years plus experience in working with young/vulnerable people within the community.
My hobbies are going to CrossFit where you will find me most days! I also enjoy a good chat and a coffee!!

Stella Wake-Bennett – Health and Safety Advisor

Work as a Chartered Environmental Health Practitioner
Came out when I was 17 in 1986. At the time  there was a Government Provision known as Section 28 ( look it up).
I once said hello to Lisa Tarbuck in the Trafford Centre, thinking I used to work with her in ASDA. She made out she knew me too, which was very nice of her.

Bee Mcphillips – Consultant

Info to be added