Meet the Team

I took on the role of CEO at Age UK Wigan Borough because I deeply believe in the power of community, compassion and practical support to transform lives.  Throughout my career, I've seen how the right help at the right time can make all the difference and I was drawn to an organisation with such dedicated staff, volunteers and values.

Age UK Wigan Borough plays a vital role in supporting older people to live independently, stay connected and feel valued and I wanted to bring my experience in third sector leadership and community development to strengthen and grow that impact.  It is a privelege to lead a charity that puts people first and makes a real difference every single day.

'I worked for Age UK as a Northwest Regional Adviser for five years from 2008 – 2013 and in this time got to know Age UK Wigan Borough. When I left Age UK, I did some consultancy work for the organisation and joined the team formally as Central Services Manager in 2015. The role is very varied, and I have a wide range of responsibilities which means I am always busy. I am proud to be part of the Age UK movement and support the services that we provide to older people in Wigan Borough.'  

'I joined Age UK Wigan Borough in June 2005 – I had never worked for a Charity before, although I had done some voluntary work, as my Mum also volunteered for a local Age Concern – so consequently this lead me to apply for a job within the Charity sector and I was lucky enough to be appointed as Finance Manager by Stuart Murray who was the Chief Officer at the time. My working background was mainly working for multi-national companies such as L’Oreal., Ingersoll-Rand (both in the UK and Switzerland)., Esselte-Letraset and Marley Tiles – all these were Finance based roles. I enjoy my role because of the variety - as I can be dealing with the day to day finances of the organisation from petty cash all the way up to helping set the budget for the coming year. Also the main reason I decided to join the Charity sector was to help make a difference to people’s lives and I feel we do this at Age UK Wigan Borough.'  

'I Joined Age UK Wigan Borough in June 2022 as a Publicity and Fundraising Manager. Before joining the team, I was working in retail management alongside studying at University. I focussed my dissertation on how social media affects the charity sector which gave me an insight into the impact digital marketing can have on a Non-Profit organisation. I enjoy using my skills to raise Age UK Wigan Borough's public profile so more people can benefit from the excellent services.'  

'I joined Age UK Wigan Borough in June 2022 to help reduce social isolation and loneliness in people aged 50+ across the Wigan Borough in group settings. I love being part of an organisation that puts people first. Even the smallest change can brighten someone's day - whether that is helping someone join a local group, meet new faces or simply enjoy a chat over a brew and biscuit.  Those moments of connection are what it is all about.

'Before joining Age UK Wigan Borough in July 2022, I worked as a Senior Manager at BT and Chair for both Wrightington Wigan and Leigh Teaching Hospital and Belong Care Villages. Age UK Wigan Borough is a great team to work with, I feel the work we do makes a real positive impact on our customers and it's fun.'

'My career has always been in financial services, the last 15 years of which has been in leadership roles leading teams across various disciplines (such as Mortgages, Financial Planning, Branches and Operations teams). Since 2013, I have worked for Nationwide Building Society and, in recent years, have chaired the North West Community Board which awards grants to local charities supporting all things to do with the home. I enjoy being on Age UK Wigan Boroughs Board of trustees because firstly, I think the services that we provide are outstanding and make a genuine difference to the lives of those who use the services. Secondly, being a Trustee involves gaining a broad understanding of all aspects of the organisation … so is great for expanding your own horizons and developing skills & knowledge to enable appropriate decisions to be made. Finally, it’s an opportunity to work with like minded people and make a contribution to the lives of local people.'

'I joined Age UK Wigan Borough in July 2022. I currently work as a Consultant Pharmacist in Frailty and am based in the department of Ageing and Complex Medicine at Wrightington, Wigan and Leigh NHS Teaching Trust. My passion for empowering older people to improve their health and well being are closely matched to Age UK objectives and I am proud of the value which the charity adds to the lives of local populace.'

'I joined the Age UK Wigan Borough's Board in 2023. Prior, I was a Quantity Surveyor Manager for a national Building Company, a Wigan Councillor for 25 years, then Wigan MP for 11. I was a non-exec. Director of WWL for 7 years, and Chair of Wigan and Leigh Housing, the Council's Arms Length Management Organisation managing its 22,000+ council housing stock for 8 years. I am currently chair of Westfield Primary School. I enjoy being on the Board as I am able to help make a positive difference and improve peoples' lives by helping them be as independent as possible for as long as possible.'

Georgia Pennington is the Co-Owner and Managing Director of Home Instead Leigh, which she has run alongside her husband, Tom, since 2020, supporting older people across Wigan and Leigh to remain independent and continue living well in their own homes.

Georgia’s career began at just 16 when she joined the British Army, where she served for seven years. Her time in the military played a huge part in shaping who she is today, developing her resilience, leadership skills and strong sense of community.

After leaving the Army, Georgia followed her passion for health and fitness and started her own personal training business, with a particular focus on supporting postpartum mothers to rebuild their strength and confidence.

Her career later took her into adult social care, where she developed a real passion for supporting older people and their families. This ultimately led to Georgia and her husband opening Home Instead Leigh in 2020, which they have grown together over the years.

Outside of work, Georgia is a mum to two young girls and still has a strong passion for fitness and keeping active. She became a Trustee of Age UK Wigan Borough because she wanted to use her experience in care, business and leadership to give something back to the local community.

She is particularly passionate about ensuring older people have a voice, feel valued and are supported to remain independent, connected and involved in the communities they call home.