Our Committee

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.

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.

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.

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.

Anamaria, a Luton-based hairdresser, sees it as her job to make people feel better about themselves. While doing their hair, she takes it on herself to try and help them be more healthy and more active too. Originally from Romania, Anamaria fell in love with Luton when she moved here 10 years ago and loves the sense of community.

Having heard about the Ambassador project and as a mother of 2 daughters, one of whom is really passionate about sport, Anamaria felt inspired to get involved and help more people in our Luton 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.

Chris Burford is a personal trainer and former bodybuilder and powerlifting champion and coach. For the past 20 years he has been running his health and wellbeing business in Luton, helping to improve the lives of countless members of the community by supporting people in recovery from serious injury, as well as coaching athletes to success in powerlifting and bodybuilding competitions.

Also, as the founder and owner of The Burford Centre CIC, his mission is to encourage community participation—particularly among people with disabilities, the underprivileged, and young people—using physical activity, gym sessions, and competition preparation to build confidence, resilience, and wellbeing.

Jasmin is passionate about public health, equity, and community resilience, with a strong belief in the power of physical activity to improve wellbeing and strengthen communities. Born and raised in Luton, she brings lived experience alongside professional expertise spanning healthcare, community engagement, and NGO work.

With aspirations to become a doctor, Jasmin has a particular focus on prevention as better than cure, and champions holistic approaches to health that integrate physical, mental, and social wellbeing. She is especially committed to advancing equitable access to care for BAME communities, and, as a new mother, has developed a special interest in postnatal health and creating inclusive opportunities for mums to stay active and connected.

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.

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.

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.