Patrons and Trustees

Angela Lee

Angela is a military veteran. She recognised there was a need to help other women veterans as she found there was very little support for women when she left the Armed Forces.  Angela became involved with Salute Her UK, initially as a volunteer, and travelled with the team to the USA on a research trip in 2018.  

Angela’s military career started in the Woman’s Royal Army Corps (WRAC) and she later transferred to the Adjutant General Corps (AGC). Throughout her career she enjoyed various postings and has gained a great deal of insight into military culture and practises. 

After leaving the military, Angela studied for five years to attain qualifications in the construction industry whilst also working full time. In the past she has used her skills to project manage the adaptation of homes for seriously injured soldiers and their families.She found this employment extremely rewarding as the adaptations were clearly life changing, helping not only the soldier but also their immediate and extended families. In her spare time Angela also volunteers for a local hospice and in the past worked for her local NHS Mental Health Trust as a Buildings and Facilities Manager. She is passionate about environmental surroundings and the positive impact they can have on the mental and physical wellbeing of everyone. She currently works as Head of Property and Maintenance for a educational establishment 

“I was delighted to be invited to become a Trustee. I’m so excited to be a part of this groundbreaking women veterans charity, and look forward to going on an incredible journey with incredible people in the months to come”.

Dolly Theis

Dolly first met the Salute Her UK team in 2015 while working for the independent Westminster think tank, the Centre for Social Justice (CSJ). 

At the CSJ, she was a researcher specialising in childhood obesity and grassroots sport. Dolly read Politics and East European Studies as well as Russian at University College London. Whilst studying, Dolly co-founded the Cube Movement, the first social network against modern-day slavery and remains a Company Director for the campaign’s parent charity, the Red Light Campaign. Between 2010 and 2013, Dolly worked in Parliament, both as Head of Policy and Communications for Women2Win, and as Baroness Jenkin of Kennington’s Parliamentary Researcher. She has just completed her PhD Public Health and Epidemiology.

Sarah Atherton

Sarah Atherton (former MP) was elected in 2019 as the first ever Conservative MP for Wrexham and was the first female Welsh Conservative MP. Sarah Atherton was one of the only sitting female MP to have served in the regular Armed Forces (Intelligence Corps) and was a member of the Defence Select Committee. 

Liz Twist MP

Liz Twist is the Labour MP for Blaydon and Consett, having been elected in July 2024.

Prior to being elected in 2017, Liz served as a local council member representing the Ryton, Crookhill and Stella Ward in Gateshead. Locally, Liz has volunteered for a number of community groups as well as the Samaritans. 

“I am absolutely delighted to be a Patron for SALUTE HER UK and look forward to championing the cause of women veterans struggling to manage difficulties associated with trauma. I am also keen to support the charities work through my role as Chair of the All Party Parliamentary Group on Suicide Prevention".

Katie Clarke

Katie started playing the piano at the age of six, beginning her musical studies in Norfolk, England and later at the International Purcell School of Music in London. Whilst still in her teens she formed a two piano partnership with Christopher Hopkins, performing frequently throughout the UK. During her school years Katie performed frequently as a pianist, accompanist, clarinetist and singer across the UK and Europe.

Katie subsequently studied music at Bristol University and went on to acquire a Masters in Performance from York University. As a student, she performed Mozart’s Piano Concerto in C minor with the Mozart players in Norwich and the Weber Konzertstück with the Bristol University Chamber Orchestra. As well as performing frequently as a soloist, Katie accompanied musicians and singers, sang in the chamber choirs, choral societies and Madrigal ensemble and played in the University orchestras and ensembles both as a pianist and as a clarinetist. She played for the Opera society on both harpsichord and piano and won the accompanist award in her Oirst year. Katie also toured extensively in the UK and Europe with both the Chamber choir and Orchestra.

After graduating in 2007, Katie worked for two years as a pianist at Norwich Theatre Royal on the Breckland Schools Project, working with young children and helping them produce their own interpretation of an opera that was then performed at the Theatre Royal, with piano accompaniment by Katie.

In 2009 Katie moved to London and continued to teach and perform both as a soloist and as a musical director. Whilst there she also worked at the national radio station Classic FM, as an assistant to the Executive Producer. In 2011 she released her Oirst solo classical CD ‘Noted’ with works by Haydn, Schumann, Liszt, Ravel, Sinding and Debussy working alongside producer Andrew Lynwood.

In 2012 Katie began working with several composers and producers to create a virtuoso variety piano act that combines her talents as both a virtuoso pianist and vibrant personality with a band of versatile musicians in order to create a unique and exciting show.

Katie has performed her virtuoso variety piano act all over world, and on every continent, on board cruise lines including Celebrity, Holland America, Regent, Oceania, Cunard, Princess, Seabourn, Silversea and Crystal, as well as shows in England and Los Angeles.

Katie moved to Los Angeles in January 2014 and has since worked alongside many musicians as a soloist, cabaret entertainer, accompanist and Musical Director. She has worked with Broadway Singer Jay Winnick in an outreach community musical programme in schools across

LA, as well as Musically Directing at venues including the NOHO Art’s Centre and Secret Rose Theatre in original and recognisable productions. She has also collaborated in performance with both singers and instrumentalists from the LA Opera and television and Broadway.

Katie wanted to become a patron of SHUK because she believes in empowering women and creating opportunities for those who face unique challenges. Supporting initiatives that provide education, healthcare, mentorship, and safety for women aligns with Katie's values. She wants to contribute to a world where women have the resources and support to thrive, whether it's helping survivors of domestic abuse, sexual assault or advocating for women's rights.

“Being a patron allows me to make a meaningful impact on a cause I deeply care about."