We are pleased to announce that Christopher Byrne was been elected as President by his peers on the FHT Governing Council. He takes over the role from Paul Battersby, who represented the interests of the FHT and its members for two consecutive years.
After a successful 20-year career as a chartered engineer, working for Rolls Royce and Bentley, followed by the Volkswagen Group, where he worked in customer care and then business management, Christopher embarked on a career in professional therapy. He initially trained in Swedish and sports massage, then went on to complete an MSc degree in Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine, which was closely followed by gaining clinical experience at the Hepingli Hospital and Beijing Academy in China. Today, Christopher enjoys running a busy therapy practice and training school in Crewe, Cheshire.
‘It is a privilege to be elected as the sixth President of the FHT and a great honour to be representing our members during these exciting times,’ said Christopher. ‘The therapy world is ever-changing and the FHT continues to be at the forefront of these developments.
‘As a full-time therapist and therapy trainer myself, I understand what a difference our members are making to their clients’ lives – whether that’s helping them to manage a long-term condition or injury, or simply encouraging them to make small lifestyle changes that will help to improve their overall wellbeing and self-esteem. I also appreciate the need for further recognition for the work our members do, whatever their therapy specialism, and particularly in the field of health and social care. During my time as President, I will be working hard to promote the safe and excellent therapy services our members have to offer, which benefit not just the public, but also other professionals striving to meet the nation’s needs.
‘Finally, I would like to thank my predecessor, Paul, who steered the FHT for two years. With an experienced FHT Governing Council and staff at my side, I hope to continue much of the excellent work he initiated, while also looking for new ways to support our members as they support others.’
For more information about Christopher and the FHT Governing Council, please visit www.fht.org.uk/about-us
Jane Duncan Rogers, award-winning coach and counsellor, founded Before I Go Solutions, a social enterprise that arose directly from her memoir, Gifted By Grief: A True Story of Cancer, Loss and Rebirth. She speaks internationally about the benefits of preparing well for a good end of life, and supports people to make full end of life plans through the products and programmes provided by Before I Go Solutions.
