Meet the Team
Meet the team of dedicated employees working away behind the scenes to run the Fragile X Society. If you would like to offer your time to support the charity in any way, please do get in touch!

Pete Richardson
Managing Director
Pete is totally committed to supporting the Fragile X Community. Having a daughter with a complex and profound learning disability (caused by a very rare gene mutation) he has experienced first-hand the myriad of challenges that individuals and families of those with learning disabilities face.
Pete is an experienced Chief Executive/Company Secretary with over thirty years of leadership roles within the charity sector, private sector, and NHS. He has an MBA from Leeds University Business School and a degree in Psychology from Keele University.
He holds responsibility for delivering the Fragile X Society’s Charitable Objectives in accordance with best practice and charity law, ensuring that the organisation operates effectively raising funds and meeting the needs of its members.

Alison Field
Families and Professionals Advisor (Child Enquiries)
I have spent the past 10 years as a primary teacher, and before that worked as a nursery practitioner. During this time, I have taken part in SEND reviews, worked with EHCPs, and along the way met with educational psychologists, specialist teachers, and speech and language therapists. I have also worked with SEND coordinators on developing and reviewing one-page profiles and support plans. I’m really looking forward to building on this experience and supporting Fragile X Society families in this role.
I have a degree in Psychosocial Sciences which I studied at the University of East Anglia. I have 2 children and previously enjoyed travelling through India, Thailand, Australia and New Zealand. I enjoy reading and running in my spare time.

Jane Oliver
Senior Families and Professionals Advisor (Adult Enquiries)
Jane is the Society's Families and Professionals Advisor dealing with adult enquiries for individuals and families.
Prior to joining the Fragile X Society, Jane worked as a special needs tutor in a FE college before spending over 12 years as a day service worker for an innovative community-based day service where she studied for a post graduate diploma in severe learning disability. She also previously worked as a family carer support worker for a carers organisation linking with services and statutory organisations. In her spare time, Jane enjoys gardening, reading and walking a very lively Labrador.

Claire Denyer
Office Manager
Claire joined the Fragile X Society as Office Manager and is based at our Great Dunmow office. She brings extensive experience in administrative and office-based roles, and plays a key part in ensuring the smooth and professional running of our operations.
Outside of work, Claire enjoys spending time with her family, going for walks, playing squash, and relaxing with her favourite craft hobbies.

Vicky Arthur
FX Counsellor
Vicky started in healthcare 2012 for the NHS. Over the years, she has had the privilege of working in various areas, gaining valuable experience and insights into the diverse challenges faced by patients and their families.
In 2018, she found her true passion when she decided to specialise in supporting families impacted by genetic conditions, witnessing for the first time the impact these conditions can have on individuals and their loved ones. Since then, she has felt motivated to provide families with the care and support they deserve. Vicky has been committed to merging her knowledge in genetics with her counselling skills and this unique combination will allow her to provide a truly person- centred counselling service for the Fragile X Society.

Jan Wright
Northern Ireland Contract Manager
Jan recently rejoined the Fragile X Society in a part-time freelance role, focusing on reconnecting with families and strengthening partnerships across Northern Ireland.
With over 35 years’ experience in the voluntary and community sector, Jan brings a wealth of knowledge and has previously worked with organisations like NIACRO, Family Fund, and The National Lottery Community Fund. She’s also been actively involved in rare disease advocacy, collaborating with Queen’s University Belfast, the Northern Ireland Rare Disease Partnership, and the All-Party Group on Rare Disease at Stormont.
On a personal note, Jan is a devoted dog mum to Sally, a rescue collie cross who proudly wears her Fragile X bandana.

Vicki Johnstone
Scotland Contract Manager
Vicki recently joined the Fragile X Society as our Contractor Manager for Scotland. She’s a full-time mum and carer to her son, who has full mutation Fragile X, Autism and ADHD.
Vicki brings first-hand experience of the challenges and joys of caring for someone with Fragile X, along with a strong passion for helping other families feel supported and heard.
She has valued the Society’s support throughout her own journey and is now working to raise awareness, build local connections, and ensure families and professionals across Scotland have access to the information and support they need.
