Who are we
The CiaO Foundation was founded in 2016 by Geoffrey Barber
Who survived a serious car crash and faced the possibility of not being able to walk again. Through sheer determination and great strength, he embraced this challenge as an opportunity to progress and in so doing transformed his thinking and practice.
CiaO (Challenge is an Opportunity) was born out of this experience and, Geoffrey’s will to recognise the efforts and endeavours of others who have similarly overcome adversity.
Aims & Aspirations
Support
Helping and supporting people overcome significant challenges in their lives.
Educate
Helping educate and change the attitude of people to welcome challenges, realising the opportunities within to improve people’s lives.
Achieve
Give hope and sense of achievement, not only to the individuals, but also their families and communities.
Challenge
Based on the premise that every Challenge is an Opportunity our Grants are carefully tailored to meet the specific needs of the successful applicants. This can range from providing specialist equipment, to coaching, training, rehabilitation and day to day emotional support.
Empower
CiaO achieves its aims by providing CiaO Grants to applicants that need guidance and support in order to fulfil their ambitions. We believe that every person should feel valued, have a sense of purpose and be empowered to achieve success regardless of their circumstances.
Conquer
Recognising those who have successfully conquered their own challenges and are advising others on how they can overcome them.
Partners & Resources
We have partnered with many charities and organisations in our work of helping people find opportunity in their challenges. Some have been the catalyst in nominating individuals who need help, where others have been the providers of the much-needed help.
CiaO Team
Nügmais supported the Founder, Geoffrey, in establishing the charity in 2016. She actively encourages and reviews Grant applications and mentors individuals after a Grant has been received. Passionate about fundraising and collaborative partnerships, she works closely with the Trustees to drive new initiatives. With extensive experience in trauma, eating disorders and addiction, Nügmais has worked both in the UK and in developing countries. Outside of her professional work, she finds joy in the mountains, hiking, and rock climbing. She is also an avid fan of opera and live music.
Having known Geoffrey Barber for many years and working with Andy Hogge, Chris was asked to join The CiaO Foundation as an Administrator in 2017. She is responsible for organising fundraising events and general administration of CiaO. Chris has been a Residential Property Manager for Cyril Leonard for many years. Outside of work her interests are travelling, reading and socialising.
Since the charity’s formation, Jamie has been dedicated to developing CiaO’s digital content, and social media to communicate the foundation’s objectives and share the inspiring stories of the individuals it supports. Jamie has significant experience in design, media and communications especially within the charity sector. Jamie is a keen swimmer, cyclist and runner, he has participated in several triathlons and other challenging activities fundraising for CiaO.
CiaO Trustees
Geoffrey, the Founder, requested Andy to join as a Trustee in 2016, having received support from CiaO on several personal fundraising challenges. In 2019, he was voted in as Chairman. Andy maintains his focus on fundraising projects for CiaO and generating greater awareness, partially though joint projects with aligned charities. Andy is a Chartered Surveyor and is now a Consultant to Cyril Leonard, a long term supporter of The CiaO Foundation. Other interests include golf, cycling, hiking, the arts and overseas travel.
Lottie became a Trustee of The CiaO Foundation in 2024. She helps to organise fundraising events and supports on the social media and digital marketing for the charity. She lives in southwest London and is Sales Director for a property investment and development company. Lottie enjoys travelling, whether with work or for pleasure, a variety of different sports including skiing and netball and is a keen painter.
Having known Geoffrey for many years, Andrew was asked if he would be a Trustee and so from the very early days has supported the charity, helping with fundraising and proudly presenting grants to a wide variety of recipients. Andrew is a Chartered Surveyor and Partner at a construction and property consultancy business. Outside of work, he is keen on most sports and regularly plays golf and tennis. He enjoys walking, cycling, swimming and skiing with his family.
Richard first met the Geoffrey some 30 years ago. After Geoffrey’s accident, Richard visited him regularly during his recovery and began conversations about setting up a Foundation. In 2010, Geoffrey began creating the charity with Richard’s assistance. Richard was asked to be the Finance Trustee when The CiaO Foundation was launched in 2016, a role he has held ever since. His background is in building and property, within a family company, of which Richard is one of the seventh generation. He is now fully retired and enjoys charity work, golf, gardening and cycling in his spare time.
The CiaO Foundation was founded in 2016 by Geoffrey, who survived a serious car crash and faced the possibility of not being able to walk again. Through sheer determination and great strength, he embraced this challenge as an opportunity to progress and in so doing transformed his thinking and practice. CiaO (Challenge is an Opportunity) was born out of this experience and, Geoffrey’s will to recognise the efforts and endeavours of others who have similarly overcome adversity.
