Our Committee

Jade Horsley- Luton Borough Council, Public Health Manager (Physical Activity)

Jade leads on the council's sport and physical activity strategic delivery plan which aims to reduce the prevalence of physical inactivity in Luton, tackle health inequalities and support residents' health and wellbeing. Jade has a background in Sport's Development and Health with her undergraduate degree in Sport Studies (BA Hons) and a Master's degree in Sports Leadership and Management.

Outside of work, she has a passion for all sports with a particular interest in football where she has played at various levels and clubs including Huntingdon Town Ladies, Biggleswade United, Luton Town Ladies FC and currently plays for Hertford Town Ladies FC.

Passionate about sports and physical activity, I thrive on keeping fit and staying active. As a dedicated goalkeeper, I embrace the challenge of teamwork and competition. Beyond the field, I enjoy the thrill of go-karting and hitting the gym to maintain my fitness. I'm also a proud parent of two, and I love encouraging my children to explore various sports and develop a love for an active lifestyle. Whether on the pitch or off, I believe in the power of sports to bring people together and create lasting memories.

I joined the Be Active team in 2023 where I have been involved in numerous Luton projects supporting schools, clubs and community organisations to develop their access to sport and physical activity. I enjoy watching and playing sport which has taught me that it's not just about the participation, but the friendships, fun and experiences you have along the way. It's this message I like to share with the people I meet in my role as Community Engagement Officer.

Elizabeth is dedicated to reducing health inequalities and has extensive experience working with individuals with complex needs. A mother of two teenage boys, she transitioned from a career in housing to Public Health, where she now advocates for physical activity and healthy weight. In her free time, she enjoys music, evening walks, and swimming.

Aimee joined Community Interest Luton in 2012, initially part-time volunteer while studying, and became a full-time member after university. She became a Director in 2016 and a trustee in 2017. Aimee is committed to the project's vision of community support and opportunity creation. Her dedication has been instrumental in CIL's growth and success, working closely with the other directors to drive the organization's mission forward. Aimee is also part of the Stepping Stones Charity as a Trustee.

Christina Marks is an experienced dance educator and the owner of the Christina Marks School of Performing Arts. With over 20 years of dance experience, she is trained in classical ballet, tap, and modern dance (both graded and vocational). Passionate about dance and the performing arts, Christina inspires her students to embrace creativity and pursue excellence.

She began dancing at age 4 and earned a scholarship to the Royal Opera House in Covent Garden, completing her ISTD exams with honors up to Advanced 2. Christina's career includes performing in music videos, appearing on Eastenders, and teaching worldwide. Professionally trained at Masters Performing Arts, she initially taught in the U.S. and has since worked extensively in the UK, partnering with local schools, the Department for Education (DFE), and councils to develop creative arts programs.

Additionally, Christina plays an active role on the Luton Sports and Physical Activity Board, where she promotes physical education and community well-being

I have been involved in local sport for all my adult life, mostly with cricket and football, both in a playing and administrative capacity.

I have a great understanding of the challenges and requirements that clubs and individuals encounter in their endeavours to succeed and progress in sport.

I bring that wealth of knowledge and experience to the panel now in helping others.

I am still playing cricket, representing Bedfordshire Seniors around the country.

Enitan's professional background is in business change and technology transformation.

On a personal level, he is chairperson and founder of the Over 50s Black Men Forum (O5BM), a non-profit community organisation that provides a support network for black men aged 50+ in identifying and addressing issues caused by the double jeopardy of Ethnic Inequalities and Ageism.

He is passionate about improving the Physical Health of older black men.

Thus, the O5BM organisation provides 160hours of physical activities per month to the Over 50s Black Male community across 4 locations in the UK

Hasina is the owner of a ladies only combat club called Pink Diamond Martial Arts.

She's the head coach and has been running the club for 9 years in Luton. The club focuses on empowering women and girls through self-defence and Martial arts training.

The club supports an environment that encourages confidence, fitness and mental strength.

Hasina has worked in partnership with Luton Council, promoting healthy living within the community. She's held Pilates, self-defence and anti-bullying sessions funded by Luton Council.

Hina Shafi is an advocate for inclusion and corporate social responsibility in sport, with a commitment to driving positive change. As a resident of the town, she is passionate about giving back to her community.

A proud Luton resident. Believes that participation in sports is something that unifies our diverse multicultural community to encourage and support Luton residents to be physically active, promotes cohesion in Luton.

Simon Watson was born in Luton, attended a school for the visually impaired, excelling in maths and catering. He completed an apprenticeship at Sunshine Riding School, leading to a 33-year-long career until deteriorating eyesight forced him to stop. For the past decade, he has volunteered with Sight Concern Bedfordshire, assisting people with visual impairments in using phones, tablets, and computers. Simon enjoys music, audiobooks, 3D crafts, sports, sightseeing, and museums, and actively supports initiatives that make these activities accessible to people with impaired vision.