Poppy Mitchell
Roy Turnham | Founder & Director
I’m Roy Turnham. Born totally blind in a visually impaired family, I discovered early on how empowering it felt to run fast, kick a ball, and move freely. By four, I was dribbling an audible football around the garden, playing cricket with my dad and brother, and heading to judo lessons. Although mainstream sports rules were sometimes frustrating, I was fortunate to have supportive teachers and coaches who helped nurture my independence and encouraged my curiosity and willingness to learn. I’ve proudly represented England and Great Britain in blind cricket, athletics, and most prominently, blind football, earning 126 caps so far. Yet for me, medals pale in comparison to the friendships, personal growth, and sense of belonging that come from inclusive sports. My passion for disability awareness soared upon hearing stories of sight loss exclusion and low expectations. I founded Vision Through Action because I’m determined to ensure no one feels locked out of the life changing benefits of sport and fitness.
As a consultant and educator, I strive to break down barriers and promote inclusion for those with sight loss and other additional needs. My experience running the SAVI Northwest multi-sport program in Liverpool, delivering the SocialEYES project for Sight Support Hull and East Yorkshire and teaching individualised PE sessions has taught me a great deal, and bolstered my commitment to providing equal opportunities. Away from sport, I’m a keen musician who loves cooking and spending time with my partner, our friends and our two dogs.
Poppy Mitchell
Bethan Jones | Director
I am a partially sighted academic with a passion for books, music and visually impaired sports. I joined Hull University in 2002 and I really enjoy teaching English Literature to my students. In recent years my research has focused on the representation of visually impaired characters in contemporary fiction and I am currently writing a book on this topic.
I have always loved sport and fitness activities, but often experienced frustration due to my low vision. In 2021 I met Roy who introduced me to visually impaired tennis. It was an absolute revelation and I have been an enthusiastic player ever since, participating in regional and national tournaments. I also play VI football, attend circuit training and complete the park run every week with a sighted guide. Since 2023, I have been involved in a collaborative project with the Sight Support Hull and East Yorkshire Children and Families team which provides diverse activities for local children with sight loss and supports their families. This has been an amazing experience and I have witnessed children growing in confidence and sociability as they develop many useful life skills.
For me, Vision Through Action provides another opportunity to show people that they need not be defined or restricted by their sight loss. We aim to provide fantastic opportunities, helping people achieve their potential through becoming more active in mind and body.
Away from teaching and sport, I am a keen clarinetist and saxophonist. Over the years I have played in numerous orchestras, chamber groups and bands.
Poppy Mitchell
Deon Falcon | Company Secretary
I began working with VTA in 2024 when Roy hired me to be his Access Assistant. Prior to then I had worked in the NHS in patient, community and stakeholder involvement roles and more recently as a carer and personal assistant. I have worked with all sorts of clients including disabled adults and children. As a carer and PA, I came to better understand how an adaptation (often a very simple one!) can make it possible for someone with a disability to do lots of the things that people who are not disabled do – whether that’s the usual everyday stuff or things that are more of a challenge for anyone. I also observed that sadly, it is quite common for a disabled person’s ability and potential to be underestimated when out in the wider world. These experiences have led to me being an enthusiastic advocate for not making assumptions and for recognising the potential of everyone.
My working life has also left me with decent administration skills and a broad knowledge of areas such as health & safety, safeguarding, communications and equality & diversity – which all comes in handy for the role of a company secretary. It was a privilege to accept when Roy offered me the additional responsibility of acting as Company Secretary for VTA.
Over the last few months I have had a great time running around gyms, tennis courts and school fields supporting VTA and Roy in his coaching activities! Away from work I love wild swimming, sightseeing with my other half and finding good stuff in charity shops.