Who We Are

Bex Wilson, Founder & Chair of Trustees

Bex is a dedicated educator and the founder of Zarach. She is a Deputy Headteacher in Leeds, which is where Bex witnessed first-hand how poverty affected children’s ability to learn and thrive at school. In 2017, after a pupil told her he didn’t have a bed to sleep in, she felt compelled to act.

Determined to make a difference, Bex launched Zarach to provide beds and essential resources to children living in poverty, ensuring they get the rest they need to succeed. Passionate about education and social justice, Bex continues to be the biggest ambassador to drive Zarach forward, raising awareness and working with schools, businesses, and communities to break the cycle of poverty—one good night’s sleep at a time.

Zarach National Leadership Team

Andy Peers, Chief Executive

Andy has spent 25 years in charity leadership, working with organisations such as The Big Issue and the British Red Cross. Passionate about tackling child poverty, he joined Zarach to lead its mission to ensure every child has a bed of their own. Andy’s career has focused on helping charities grow, improve impact, and drive meaningful change. He is committed to developing partnerships, expanding Zarach’s reach, and ensuring as many children as possible can sleep safely in a warm, comfortable bed. Based in Halifax with his family, Andy is deeply connected to the community Zarach serves. 

Jess Sandy, National Family Engagement Manager

Jess spent over a decade working as a midwife within the NHS before transitioning to the charity sector in 2018. After gaining experience at another charity, she became Zarach’s first paid staff member in April 2019.

As a mother of two and having witnessed the impact of poverty on children and families during her time as a midwife, Zarach’s mission to end child bed poverty resonates deeply with Jess. She is also close friends with Zarach’s founder, Bex, and was thrilled when their shared dream of Jess joining Zarach became a reality.

In her role as National Development Manager, Jess is passionate about driving Zarach’s vision to deliver 1,000 beds per week to children experiencing bed poverty in England.

Mark Cohen, Product & Delivery Manager

Having had a long career in logistics and planning, a change of direction saw Mark begin a position in social care for vulnerable teens, lasting ten years. In 2017, when his daughter, Bex, asked for help in supporting families experiencing bed poverty, he was pleased to be able to combine the skills he’d acquired over the years, and help to establish Zarach. 

Mark’s role as Product & Service Delivery Manager, sees him develop relationships with manufacturers and suppliers in the bed industry, ensuring great quality products can be delivered to children and can instantly make a change to their lives; a change that can last for 8 years before that product needs to be changed. Mark is always keen to discuss supply opportunities, as we endeavor to reduce our costs and reach more children, so please reach out. 

Amy Green, Communications Manager

Joining Zarach in 2022, Amy has overseen a number of projects, including the launch of Bed Poverty Free Leeds, fundraising and volunteer events, as well as Zarach’s first media-led Christmas campaign with The Independent in 2023.
Amy is passionate about raising awareness for our mission far and wide, and as a new mum, is determined to create change which will have long lasting effects on the children and families we serve.

Ellie McGrath, Fundraising Manager

Ellie spent much of her early career in alternative education, growing a deep understanding of the challenges young people in poverty face. She then worked for a larger children’s charity developing extensive experience in fundraising, supporter care, and communications.

Having followed Zarach’s story since its beginning and feeling closely aligned with its mission and values, Ellie joined the team in 2024 with the excitement and ambition to see Zarach’s reach grow and more children’s lives impacted.