Our Team
Some Of Our Volunteers
Trustees
Lynn Pratt
I first met Mechelle in 2014 when I was the Mayor of Bicester, upon completion of my term of office, Mechelle asked me to become a Trustee of The Hummingbird and I was pleased to accept.
I am proud to be involved with this wonderful centre and all it does for the people of Bicester and beyond, when guests attend the centre for whatever reason they find a welcoming and caring atmosphere.
I would also like to say thank you to all our volunteers both past and present without who we could not manage to run the centre.
Mechelle Harris
The Hummingbird Centre was created in 2014 after a promise I made to my late “Pops” who asked that I created something good out of his passing, which would have been fine when I lived in Leicestershire, where I had connections, family and friends who knew my dad and his request, but starting at new life in Bicester was a challenge in itself never lone carry out a promise many years later.
Through a dedicated team of volunteers and Trustees who have supported the work of The Hummingbird Centre we have gone from strength to strength, creating new services to meet the needs of those who reach out to us.
I’m extremely grateful to all who have dedicated their time over the years and for the continued support that we receive.
I could not do what I do without the support of my husband Paul Harris, who over the years has stood by my side enabling me to stand by others.
Ian Critchley
After retiring from a career in Operations Management, HR and Employee Relations across the Aviation, Manufacturing, Government and Consultancy sectors. I decided that I still needed to fulfil my time with something, back in 2018 I became a volunteer hosting guest visiting the Centre. One of my roles within the centre was to prepare The Hummingbird to face the challenges posed by the Covid 19 Pandemic; and to ensure the Centre could open as soon as possible post the lockdowns. I am totally committed to ensuring that the Hummingbird Centre offers the best support it can to all our guests, particularly given my own experience caring for a partner on a cancer journey.
Paul Harris
As a founding trustee I have seen The Hummingbird Centre grow from a promise Mechelle made to her dad to what is now an integral part of the community.
I have spent my entire professional career in corporate financial services and I bring these skills and experiences to the board in my role as Treasurer.
It is an honour to be involved with The Hummingbird Centre and we have been supported by many wonderful volunteers, donors and the local community over the years to enable us to provide the wide range of services for our guests & be there when they need us.
Alan Smith
I was first introduced to the Hummingbird Centre after being diagnosed with Prostate cancer in 2025.
Following successful surgery, I am now passionate about spreading the word for men over 50 to get tested even if they don't have symptoms, as was in my case. Becoming involved with the Hummingbird Centre has allowed me to further support those affected by cancer and contribute to the continuing fantastic services and caring atmosphere that the centre provides.
Previously I worked in the Consumer Behaviour Data industry mainly in Operations Management with a particular focus on Business Transformation and Process Improvement.
Rob McManus
Having seen both my father and daughter go through treatment for cancer I'm aware of how much need for support there is across the community and within families. I've spent my career - and still work full-time - in the Computer Software Industry focussing on the point where technology meets strategy. Recently I've had time to take stock and look for ways of putting my skills to work for the benefit of others. When I was introduced to Mechelle, I was amazed to see how much the Hummingbird Centre and its team of volunteers offered and was delighted to be asked to be a trustee to help on its next chapter.