Our trustees explain what Tonic means to them and why they volunteer their time.
Team Tonic
Our Supporters
Guy Morpuss
Chair
Guy practised as a barrister and King's Counsel in London for thirty years, specialising in commercial litigation. He is now a full-time author, writing crime novels. He has extensive experience of working with large companies and brands, as well as seeing first-hand how stress and the rigours of life can affect individuals' mental health.
"We have all been touched, at one time or another, by mental health issues, either directly or indirectly. I hope that by working with Tonic Music I can support their amazing work in supporting those in the music industry, and those who can be reached and transformed by music."
Julie Davis
Vice Chair
Julie was a Solicitor in London specialising in professional indemnity insurance matters.
She has 7 years of experience on charity boards - ranging from a small local one to a regional one which was part of a major national charity.
“I helped to create a local charity aimed at promoting and improving the mental health of teens. This bought me into contact with those people on the frontline helping teens with their mental health issues, particularly those struggling in the school setting. Having also been a long term volunteer in the SEN departments of schools I have seen how mental health needs, particularly when unmet, can spiral. My own children are now young adults and therefore I was keen to become involved with a charity helping adults, both young and older. Music, particularly live music, has played an integral part of my life - although I am the least musical person ever. I am delighted to be able to work with Tonic Music."
Geoff Steward
Trustee
Geoff is a lawyer specialising in intellectual property and commercial/contractual litigation. He acts predominantly for brands in the entertainment, sports and retail sectors. Having been a partner in one of the large London firms for fifteen years, he recently moved to a specialist brands practice and now spends his time between Cambridge and London.
“I am an avid vinyl (and guitar) collector and I play rhythm guitar in a covers band. I have always had a love of music and particularly the collective emotion induced by live music, so as Tonic Music has grown and now requires more corporate/commercial input I was delighted to offer my services. This country’s music is some of the best in the world but there are often unseen pressures on those who contribute to it, and we need to look after their interests and mental health.”
Matt Shires
Trustee
Matt has a background in delivering professional services such as financial and management accountancy, procurement and project management, and has strengths in business planning and strategy. He enjoys a range of music genres from indie and alternative to R&B, soul and house music and loves live music.
"Mental health touches all of us, either directly or through our friends and family and the impacts can be severe and long-lasting. There's not many who will manage to get through life without experiencing some aspect of poor mental health, so I am really pleased to be working with a charity such as Tonic Music and helping to support the incredible work that they do."
Richard Walters
Trustee
Richard brings extensive experience in developing and implementing forward-thinking business, marketing, and communication strategies that empower membership and not-for-profit organisations to foster stronger community connections and drive growth.
Music has always been central to Richard’s own well-being, and he understands that poor mental health can affect anyone at different stages and in varied ways throughout life. He was inspired by Tonic Music for Mental Health's mission to support and equip those in the music community with essential mental health tools and skills.
“By serving as a trustee, I hope to use my professional expertise to support Tonic Music’s vital work, creating meaningful opportunities for individuals to connect, heal, and thrive through the transformative power of music.”
Meet the Trustees
Gloria Miller
Trustee
Gloria Miller is a creative who uses the mediums of music, words, and truth. Originally from Chicago, she moved to the UK in 2009 to marry her British husband, Neal. After establishing herself as an entertainer and performing all over the country, in 2012, Gloria started Gloria Miller Entertainment Ltd. which she ran for eight years, closing in 2020. Even though she’s not running the company any longer, Gloria is still actively performing live shows including her Tina Turner Tribute Show, her duo, Frankie & Glo and as a solo recording artist, with her next release due out in the Spring of 2023.
In 2021, Gloria was diagnosed with Generalized Anxiety Disorder, and her experience with anxiety has led her down a different path of wanting to know everything possible about promoting good mental health, especially amongst musicians. Gloria has worked with Tonic Music over the years, but after suffering a mental break in May of 2021 and going through recovery, she wanted an outlet to be able to share her personal journey, as well as an opportunity to help others, and becoming a trustee with Tonic allows her to do just that.