Our People

Gareth Thomas – President

Gareth, known as Alfie, is a former Welsh Rugby Union star who also played Rugby League in the Super League and at international level. He is one of the most decorated rugby players the world has ever seen and has captained both Wales and the British Lions in New Zealand. Since retiring from professional sport, Gareth has become a high profile figure in the media world through his successful appearance on Celebrity Big Brother and through his tireless work for charities. Gareth was introduced to Dan and Clayton through a mutual friend and soon discovered that their wish to launch a project to help local youngsters was very much in keeping with his own desire to help disadvantaged youngsters, and so the Life Music Foundation was born.
Gareth is President and Patron of Life Music Foundation and through his hard work and drive will take Life Music Foundation to the next level, helping even more disadvantaged children achieve their dreams through music.

Daniel O’Connell – Trustee

Daniel O’Connell first envisaged the concept of The Life Music Foundation and co-founded it with childhood friend Clayton Richards. He currently sits on it’s board as Chairman of Trustees as well as Chairman of the Bursaries Committee. He helps to organise large Life Music Foundation events and is responsible for the negotiation between the charity and some of it’s high profile business contacts. He is a qualified Stockbroker and has many years experience in the Financial Services industry and often appears on BBC television and Radio to give analysis on stockmarkets and the economy.  Daniel was born and brought up in Newport and is passionate about trying to improve the community that he grew up in.  He is hugely committed to the aims of the foundation and carries out a number of fundraising projects on behalf of the charity. Daniel is a married father of two and is based in Newport.

Clayton Richards – CEO

Clayton Richards co-founded Life Music Foundation along with Daniel O’Connell. After leaving Newport for London at 20, he brings 12 years experience of working in the investment banking sector in both the city and Canary Wharf. A local boy at heart he comes to the charity after returning to Newport for a fresh challenge. As CEO he is responsible for running the charity on a day to day basis, managing the shop at 35 Upper Dock St, and organising gigs and events which the charity is involved with. He is also the fundraising manager, responsible for approaching external bodies in order to apply for grants, organising bucket collections or obtaining items of value for the charity. He arranges the many music lessons that the charity provides to local youngsters. He is also responsible for running the Life Music Foundation website on a day to day basis.

Craig Reid – Patron

Craig is a professional footballer with Stevenage FC and formerly of Newport County. Whilst at Newport County he amassed an impressive 58 goals in just 96 appearances which saw him earn his move to League 1. Craig is a keen musician with a talent for the drums and is hugely committed to the aims of the charity. Craig is keen to put something back into the community and carries out a number of valuable projects for the charity. Craig is an Official Ambassador to the Life Music Foundation.

Gary Morgan – Supporter

Gary Morgan is a corporate supporter of the charity – his company CreareWebsite Design are noted as one of the most forward thinking and innovative web services companies in the UK. Gary is a huge lover of music – he has a massive record collection and is hugely interested in the aims and objectives of our charity. Gary has given enormous support to the charity both personally and professionally. Gary intends to be an active supporter at all future events, and would like to think that his son William will be the next big thing – well in 10 years time.

Alison Watkins – PR

Alison Watkins provides PR support to the charity and has worked with the team since its luanch, helping to generate publicity to raise its profile.  She is an award winning journalist and experienced PR professional with more than 15 years experience in her field.  She is the founder of AW Communications, a leading PR firm in the public, private and charity sector.  As a local girl who began her career at the South Wales Argus, she is an enthusiastic supporter of Life Music Foundation.