The Gibbons Trustees

John is the current Chair, and a founder Trustee. He was born in Thanet and attended Drapers Mills School and Chatham House before University in London. He was related to David and Vera Gibbons and moved to Devon in 1982. John retired after 33 years as a GP, currently he lives in Barnstaple with his family. John has been a postgraduate student at both Exeter (MSc) and Plymouth Universities (PGCME) and is involved in other charities notable the Children’s Holiday Foundation

Julie became a Trustee in 2025. She was born in Thanet and attended Drapers Mills and Clarendon House Schools before University in Kingston. Julie was related to David and Vera, and moved to Devon in 2020. She retired after 35 years in Education in Buckinghamshire first as a teacher, then Primary Maths Consultant and finally Headteacher.
She is particularly interested in the Education of young children and Primary Schools. As a Trustee she is committed to the aims and objectives of The Gibbons Trusts.

Clive became a Trustee in 2019. He was born in Minehead Somerset, and studied medicine in Cambridge and London. He and his wife Sue have lived and worked in Exmouth since 1979 when he joined a GP practice.

After retirement Clive became a Magistrate and sat mainly in the Family Court. Clive is also a Trustee and Honorary Secretary of Exmouth Welfare Trust.

Christine joined the Trusts in 2017. After a varied career in Education she was appointed Vice Chancellor of Staffordshire University. In 2013 she moved to Exmouth in Devon where she continues with her interest in Education and her academic research. Throughout her career, her passion has been to find ways to open the doors of opportunity to as wide a range of people as possible and is therefore firmly committed to the principles enshrined in the Gibbons Family Trust.

Simon became a Trustee in 2023. He grew up on the Isle of Wight and moved to Exmouth with his wife Debbie in 1987. Their 5 children were raised in Exmouth and all attended Exmouth Community College. He practiced as a solicitor for 33 years with a solicitors firm in Exeter. During that time he was also the Under Sheriff of Devon for 20 years. He now works one day a week as a volunteer at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital. As a Trustee he is committed to carrying out the aims and objectives of the Trust as set out by David and Vera
Gibbons.

Debbie qualified as a nurse in 1999, and shortly after married her husband who was a doctor. Debbie has studied Theology to Masters level, and has since written 2 books. Debbie is a keen long distance runner, and has raised several thousand pounds for various charities.

Debbie grew up in Leicestershire in less than ideal conditions. She turned this disadvantage into a determination to do everything she could to help others. She loves inspiring others to be their best, and live life to the full, The Gibbons Trusts align closely with her values.