Meet the Team
Meet some of the family: The AFCU Staff Team
At the very heart of the AFCU is a dedicated and passionate staff team, a diverse bunch united by their faith and a deep commitment to serving our military community. Many of them understand the unique rhythms of service life personally, having served themselves or through their families. They are the welcoming faces, the listening ears, and the prayerful hearts that make our fellowship so wonderfully strong.
If you would like to get in touch with the team, please email office@afcu.org.uk.
Adam and Ruth Pyrke
Adam and Ruth are a vibrant duo who lead our much-loved Summer Camp (Youth) ministry. Adam's background in the Royal Engineers means their family genuinely understands the challenges of military life. Now both vicars, their passion is to see young people grow closer to Jesus. They bring incredible zest and focused determination to everything they do, and in their spare time, they love exploring new places on family holidays.
Adrian
Adrian, who was part of the Royal Signals, is a vital part of our Operations team. He shares his expertise, from cyber support to policy, ensuring that more Christians in the Armed Forces receive the support they need. When he's not in the "office," you might find him on the badminton court or foraging for edible plants in the countryside!
Alan
Alan is our longest-serving member of the team. His keen eye for detail and steady persistence keep our finances in impeccable order. Beyond the numbers, Alan is an amazing organist, often playing for his local churches, and he thoroughly enjoys singing with the choir.
Bob
Bob generously gives his time as a volunteer with AFCU, following many years in the Royal Engineers and as a lecturer at Shrivenham. With a ready smile, he's found doing all sorts of jobs, from fixing bits and bobs around the office to policy writing – no job is too big or too small for Bob. In his spare time, he's often found spending time with his grandchildren or supporting the local community.
Chris
Having served in the Navy himself and then headed up Aggies (another cracking Navy charity) for a time, Chris is brilliant at supporting those serving in the Royal Navy. He truly understands the challenges and is determined to use his experience to help. His volunteer work sees him visiting ships, connecting with Chaplains, and offering prayer and a good old chat to those who fancy it. Away from work, he enjoys long walks exploring the beautiful Devonshire countryside with his wife and their dog.
Gemma
Gemma is often the first friendly voice you'll hear when you get in touch with our office. Her kindness and keen attention to detail shine through as she helps you with your enquiries. As an RAF spouse, she's very familiar with military life. If you're deploying, do let Gemma know – there might just be a special something in the post for you! She loves spending time tending her garden and, we know, bakes a truly "mean" cake!
Juliette
Juliette lovingly supports our members with all their prayer needs. She's wonderful at staying connected with those receiving regular prayer support, updating requests, and ensuring everyone feels truly cared for. As a Chaplain's spouse, she's well aware of the great need for prayer within the military. Her generosity, compassion, and love for people simply radiate through everything she does. In her free time, she's a wizard at upcycling things into the most amazing items and can often be found walking her "mad dog" and collecting interesting bits and bobs for her crafts.
Neil
Neil was born in Belfast and now lives in Poole, Dorset, with his wife and daughter. As Membership Coordinator, he draws on 24 years of colour service in the British Army to prayerfully visit members and attend events, encouraging discipleship, fellowship, and a heartfelt focus on prayer. Neil brings significant experience in Trauma Risk Management and Mental Health First Aid, which complements his empathetic, people-centred approach. Outside of work, he enjoys reading, cycling, and following Rugby Union.
Pete
Pete is our Scottish team member and works remotely from Dundee. He manages AFCU’s communications, which seek to enable, equip and encourage our members in their Christian life. He has previously worked in ministry and, for the last number of years, in media and communications with different organisations. He has extensive experience in communicating with supporters, overseeing websites and social media channels, and working with the press and external media organisations. Outside of work, Pete is kept on his toes by his young children, who are always full of energy.
Val
Val, an ex-Army educator, blesses the AFCU with her selfless voluntary work, offering prayer to many people and supporting our pastoral team. Her generous heart enables her to encourage countless individuals and offer support during difficult times. In her spare time, she loves exploring the beautiful British countryside and making delicious chutney.
Becca
Becca ensures the daily rhythm of our Union runs smoothly, always with an eye on how to best encourage our members. Her remarkable knack for juggling many areas at once, coupled with her infectious enthusiasm, keeps the team motivated and firmly on track. As a Navy 'brat' and an Army wife, Becca always has a ready smile, and when she's not working, you'll often find her caring for others through her generous hospitality or doing a few lengths at the local pool!
Liesel
As our Prayer and Pastoral Director, Liesel oversees all areas of our prayer ministry and so much more. She has a truly generous heart and ardently believes that God can transform lives through prayer. As an Army wife, she can personally testify to the incredible difference prayer has made for their family throughout their years of service. Liesel thrives on new challenges, whether at work or at home, always adding to her skillset, but she always has time to meet with those who need a chat and a prayer.
Rhett
Our Membership Director, Rhett, dedicated 20 years to the Royal Engineers and still keeps his hand in as a Reservist. He's brilliant at gathering people together over a proper cuppa and a butty and encourages people through his honesty and tales of how he's seen God at work in people’s lives. In his spare time, you'll find him enjoying running, skiing, and sailing.
Our Mission
- To encourage those who are already Christians in the Armed Forces to live out and develop their faith, to act as ‘salt and light’, and through them to encourage others to come to a committed faith in the Lord Jesus Christ;
- To work for unity amongst Christians in the Armed Forces;
- To support the Armed Forces in their drive to be a force for good, providing a Godly influence upon military culture;
- And to expose the role of Christians in the Armed Forces to the wider Christian community.
