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Meet the Advisory Board

Chris Hawthorn

Chris established the SafeKnight Foundation in 2011 following the tragic abduction and murder of Sian O’Callaghan, who lived in a nearby town.

The case really resonated with Chris and he made it his life's purpose to do whatever he could to prevent the unthinkable from happening to other families. As well as investing his life savings into developing the SafeKnight app, Chris is working closely with Sian’s family to ensure that the foundation can truly make a difference. He passionately believes that using SafeKnight can make the world a safer place, and has already dedicated over two years of his life to help make it happen.

Elaine O’Callaghan

In March 2011, Elaine’s world was turned upside-down when her daughter Sian went missing following a night out. After an extremely distressful five day search, the devastating news came in that Sian’s body had been discovered. A local man was arrested and charged with her murder, and is currently serving a 25 year sentence.

Elaine will never know whether that night would have turned out differently if Sian had SafeKnight on her phone, but feels that it could have. Working with the foundation in an advisory capacity, Elaine believes that SafeKnight can improve personal safety, assist the authorities, and help to prevent crime.

Dave Grimstead

Dave is a former Detective Inspector who has worked extensively in protective services during his time with the Metropolitan, Avon and Somerset Police and National Crime Squad; he is now the Operations Manager for Child-Safe International.

Inspired by the families and friends who have lost those close to them as a result of violent or sexual crime, Dave is as motivated as ever to find ways to improve people’s safety. He is extremely passionate about being part of the SafeKnight movement, helping it to evolve, and playing a major role in making the world a safer place.

Dr Jessica Elliott

Dr Jessica Elliott has been a senior lecturer at UWE since September 2009. Jessica's research interests centre on international and domestic criminal law and human rights, particularly with respect to human trafficking, sexual exploitation and prostitution.

Jessica has conducted and published research regarding the identification of trafficked persons, the role of consent in human trafficking, and the realities of trafficked person's access to technology.

Liam O’Callaghan

Following the tragic loss of his sister Sian, Liam was left with a void that will never be truly filled. This void compelled Liam to become a key advisor to the foundation, driven by the prospect of preventing crimes and improving personal safety. Through the use of the SafeKnight technology, Liam believes loved ones will be more protected when travelling and meeting new people, providing an extra layer of security and peace of mind.

Liam’s experience has left him with some clear goals for the future of the foundation; he is extremely driven to help guide and shape the growth of SafeKnight, and ultimately to achieve the visions that we all share.

Alice Pittman

Alice has five years’ experience working in marketing as a Strategist. She has a specific interest in charity after working with international charity World Vision for several years, as well as projects with Macmillan Cancer Support and Prostate Cancer UK.

Alice takes a particular interest in modernising the way that charities communicate with their supporters, through innovative and engaging methods. As a young woman she feels particularly close to the SafeKnight cause and believes in the real difference it can make.

Mark Godwin

Mark has over 12 years marketing experience developing and implementing marketing strategies for a broad mix of brands and organisations. Mark's work brings him close to emerging technologies and he's witnessed first-hand the impact the digital evolution has made on society.

Lifelong friend of SafeKnight's founder and father to two young children, the SafeKnight Foundation is a cause that resonates strongly with Mark. He is hugely passionate about helping to promote the foundation’s message, and making the use of the SafeKnight app become a matter-of-course procedure.

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