Lawrance Titterton
Founder & Chairman
Lawrance was born in the UK and spent 22 years working and living in South Africa before returning to the UK with Monica and their children in 1999. His years in Africa gave him a lasting connection with the continent and a strong appreciation of both the challenges faced by communities and the incredible resilience and resourcefulness of the people who live there.
Lawrance’s connection with Uganda began through travelling there with Monica, his wife, over a number of years. During their visits, they became increasingly aware of the difficulties faced by vulnerable children and families, particularly in and around Kabale. Meeting children living on the streets had a profound effect on them and eventually led to the creation of Alongside Africa.
Lawrance is a founder and trustee of the charity and has served as its chairman since its early days. His professional background is in business systems, technology and working with charities, and he brings these skills to Alongside Africa alongside his practical knowledge of working in Uganda. He has a particular interest in ensuring that a small charity makes the greatest possible impact from the resources available to it.
In 2017, Lawrance and Monica took the decision to relocate to Uganda, helping to establish the Amasiko Halfway House for children living on the streets of Kabale. This experience strengthened their commitment to working alongside local people and finding practical, sustainable solutions rather than simply providing handouts.
Lawrance continues to spend much of his time in Uganda, working alongside the local team and supporting the charity’s development. He is particularly passionate about Alongside Africa’s philosophy of ‘opportunities, not aid’ – helping people to gain the skills, education and resources they need to build better futures for themselves and their families.
For Lawrance, one of the most rewarding aspects of Alongside Africa is seeing what can happen when people are given the opportunity, encouragement and support to take responsibility for their own future.
- Favourite film: One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest
- Favourite book: The Culture series by Iain M Banks
- Favourite album: Hooker ‘n Heat
Monica Titterton
Trustee & Uganda Mentor
Monica was born and brought up in South Africa, where she lived and worked until moving to the UK in 1999. With a background in teaching, she has always had a particular interest in children, education and helping people to realise their potential. She served as head teacher at a small independent school in South Africa before moving to the UK, where she was particularly involved in creating equal opportunities for all children and staff.
Her connection with Uganda began through travelling in the country over a number of years, the first time in 2007. During those visits, Monica and her husband, Lawrance, became increasingly aware of the challenges facing children and families living in and around Kabale. Meeting children living on the streets left a lasting impression and eventually led them to ask what they could do to make a practical difference.
Alongside Africa was born from that desire to do something more than simply provide short-term help. Monica and Lawrance became founders and trustees of the charity, with a shared belief in providing opportunities rather than aid – helping people to develop the skills, education and support they need to build more secure futures.
Monica now spends much of her time in Uganda, working alongside the local team as a mentor and supporting the development and delivery of Alongside Africa’s projects. Her teaching background continues to influence her approach, particularly in working with children and young people who have had difficult starts in life.
What she values most about her work is the opportunity to build genuine relationships with the people Alongside Africa supports, and to see – often in small but significant ways – the difference that education, encouragement and opportunity can make.
- Favourite film: Dead Poets’ Society
- Favourite book: The Power of One by Bryce Courtenay (also all his other books.)
- Favourite album: Anything by Enya and Abba, more recently Ren.
Cathy Ford
Treasurer
Cathy was delighted to accept the position of Treasurer in November 2025, her first role within a charity.
She had previously run event-based charity auctions with her late partner, Ralph. During a 38-year career with the NHS, she provided statistical support to several child health projects and, as Head of Access Governance, authored policies to enable fair access to services.
Cathy lives in Ashford, Kent.
- Favourite film: My Fair Lady
- Favourite novel: And Some Have Witchcraft Thrust Upon Them
- Favourite album: Ghost In The Machine (The Police).
Michael Huddart
Michael is one of the founder members of Alongside Africa.
He went on a trip to Kabale to see the work that charities were undertaking in Uganda, and saw there the urgent need for a charity to help street children and other disadvantaged communities.
When Alongside Africa began, Michael was the Treasurer, and he held this post for over fifteen years before stepping down in 2025. He is still an active member, raising much-needed funds by organising craft fairs and events.
Michael tries to go out to Kabale as often as he can to see all the good work Alongside Africa is doing and to meet the team.
Louise James
Louise joined Alongside Africa in 2022, after first supporting the charity by organising donations for families in Uganda through her children’s school. Seeing more of the charity’s work encouraged her to become a child sponsor, before later helping with administration and joining the Board.
What particularly appeals to Louise is Alongside Africa’s focus on creating long-term, sustainable change. She values the emphasis on giving people the skills, opportunities and support they need to build livelihoods and support themselves, rather than relying solely on short-term aid. She is also passionate about the fact that the charity is run by a volunteer board, helping to keep resources focused on the communities it supports. For Louise, being part of Alongside Africa is about helping to create genuine opportunity and lasting change.
Louise lives in Oxfordshire with her family. Her favourite film is The Shawshank Redemption, and she enjoys travelling, skiing, keeping up with current affairs and politics, and spending time with family and friends.
Alex Sibbald
Alex has more than 10 years’ experience working in consultancy across the UK and Australia, alongside three years in the not-for-profit sector with Alongside Africa.
He began working with Alongside Africa in 2023, motivated by a long-standing desire to support disadvantaged communities in Africa, particularly through opportunities for young people and education. Alex was drawn to the organisation’s ethos of working alongside individuals and communities to create sustainable, long-term improvements in their lives, rather than relying on traditional aid models that can create dependency.
Alex lives in Melbourne, Australia, and is currently building a home in regional Victoria.
- Favourite film: Back to the Future
- Favourite book: The Alchemist
- Favourite album: Awaken, My Love! by Childish Gambino
Rev. Canon John A’Court Tapper
After their marriage in 1966, Liz and John went to Dar-es-Salaam, Tanzania, for a year. John worked as a teacher and Liz as a physiotherapist for VSO (Voluntary Service Overseas). As a result of their trip, they developed a love for Africa and of the African people.
On his return, John continued his career as a chartered accountant but, in 1988, he was called into ministry in the Church of England and was ordained. In 2000, John became the vicar of the Trinity Benefice in Folkestone, which comprises Holy Trinity Church, St. George’s and St. Paul’s. This is where he first met Lawrance and Monica, and he was very impressed by the work they were doing, and continue to do, in Uganda. John and Liz have tried to support this work in various ways ever since, and have visited Uganda on several occasions.
John enjoys walking, golf, chess, singing, and he is also a trustee of various local trusts, including the Winter Shelter for the homeless in Maidstone.