OUR PEOPLE
DAVID FAWCETT
CEO
Dave is an experienced social entrepreneur whose deep faith fuels his passion for supporting society’s most marginalised. He is a visionary leader with a proven track record of creating sustainable, people-centred solutions that truly make a difference.
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Two pivotal moments have shaped his commitment to reaching the homeless. While studying film at university, Dave produced a documentary about a homeless man that left a lasting impact on him. Then, in 2014, he experienced a profound calling when he audibly felt God ask him to be a homeless pastor—a call that has defined his journey ever since.
Over the last decade, Dave founded and built Happy Days, one of Halifax’s primary providers for the homeless. Today, Happy Days supports and houses over 100 residents, has provided more than 100,000 food parcels to those in need, and has even earned the prestigious Queen’s Award.
In 2023, with a national vision to expand his impact, Dave launched a new adventure under The Light Group umbrella—The Homeless Pastors. This Community Interest Company is dedicated to equipping and training churches and charities to minister effectively to the homeless, helping them transition from the streets into supported communities and ultimately, a life equipped for lasting change. Recently, Dave further demonstrated his commitment by undertaking the Kilimanjaro challenge to raise funds and awareness for the cause.
At home, Dave is married to Kate and enjoys nature, playing football, walking his dog, and escaping to the wildness of the Scottish island of Tiree. Through all these endeavors, Dave remains a driving force within The Light Group—a movement dedicated to creating communities where people do life together.
Gary brings over 25 years of experience in the homelessness, mental health, and substance misuse sectors, with a proven record of leading innovative housing and support initiatives1. He is the founder of Homes of Hope, a Greater Manchester charity providing supported housing and holistic care for vulnerable men, which he successfully guided through registration with the Charity Commission2. His career spans senior leadership roles in the voluntary and housing sectors, including service management for Stockport Homes, King’s Church, and Revolving Doors Housing Trust3. Gary has consistently championed resident empowerment, achieving national recognition for his work in co-production and service improvement4. With expertise in charity governance, safeguarding, and trauma-informed practice, Gary is deeply committed to social justice and creating opportunities for excluded individuals to rebuild stability and dignity5. He also contributes to sector networks such as Homeless Link and the International Substance Abuse and Addiction Coalition.
Janet serves as the Chair of the Board of Trustees for The Light Group. With a career spanning over 50 years, she has ministered to and worked with those on the margins of society in various paid and unpaid capacities. She has a history of pioneering new roles within the voluntary sector, particularly in areas such as mental health, homelessness, addiction, and supporting women and children fleeing violence. Her background also includes work in the statutory sector and inner-city schools supporting marginalized children. Janet brings deep empathy through her own lived experience as a survivor of domestic abuse and is a proud grandmother to six thriving grandchildren. She also serves as a trustee for Vessels of Compassion UK.
Bryan serves as the Director for Development on the Executive Team at Metro Relief. He started his non-profit leadership career in the UK and has since lived in Africa, Europe, and the United States, crafting projects in over 40 countries. Since moving to Texas in 20078, Bryan has applied his 36 years of experience ranging from ordained senior pastor and volunteer mission coordinator to consultant and executive director. He has created international partnerships focused on homelessness, education, poverty engagement, refugee care, and justice initiatives. A visionary communicator, sought-after speaker, and leadership consultant, Bryan is married to Tracy and has three grown children
Lisa Norcross is a Co-Founder and the CEO of Kairos Housing, an ecumenical ‘faith in action’ charity whose core mission is to provide sanctuary and justice for asylum seekers and refugees in Blackburn with Darwen9999. She brings her expertise in supported housing and fundraising to the board. Her work is fuelled by a passion for social justice which drives her to pursue innovative solutions to ensure the most vulnerable members of society have the support they need to thrive.