Who we are

Nat Gavin, Founder and Station Manager of MDFR. Nat has been involved with the underground music scene in the UK and Europe for over twenty years, as a musician, producer, sound engineer, DJ, performer and event organiser. He has a longstanding fascination with niche broadcasting. 

Nat’s experience with dementia originated in his supporting his late mum, Gina Shaw, who had Alzheimer’s disease and vascular dementia. Through Gina’s involvement with the local, national and international dementia community, Nat gained some insight into the challenges experienced by people living with dementia and was able to formulate a plan as to how he might use his skills for good, rather than just being daft.  

Glenys Hunt, LLB LLM, retired solicitor has a background in both science and law.  Her legal experience will assist with managing MDFR’s governance and finance. Glenys’ experience of dementia comes mainly from caring for her mother, and sister, both affected by the disease. She has been involved in many charitable activities in her work through Soroptimist International in supporting women and girls. 

Xiaoxiao (筱潇 xiǎo xiāo) Hou is a professional Chinese zither (guzheng) player who is completing her doctorate research on music and dementia at the University of Liverpool. 

With strong interests in music and performing arts, she acquired her Bachelor in Music Education from Jiangnan University China, Masters in Musicology from Durham University and Applied Psychology from University of Leeds. Her PhD project is located across the fields of Psychology, Public Health and Music, researching means to culturally adapt and better implement individualised music intervention for ageing and dementia care. 

Xiaoxiao’s experience of dementia has developed as a result of care experience for her late grandmother and the impact she witnessed on her mother. She has been involved in many charitable activities and professional events in dementia research and care. Her research has been published in NHS magazines and she has been invited to speak at many notable events, as well as directly advising key organisations in this field. 

The path she has chosen has meant that Xiaoxiao has required a high degree of empathy, patience and adaptability to match her technical and academic skills in both research and music. With her years of research background, musical knowledge and skills, as well as networking with local communities, she can contribute to the MDFR team with data collecting, playlist generating, as well as community engagement.

Dean McShane, Mental Health Senior Lecturer (RMN, MEd, PGCE, BSc (Hons), DipHe). Dean is a Registered Mental Health Nurse (RMN) and Senior Lecturer. In 2019 Dean received the Chief Nursing Officers medal of excellence for his work in creating a Dementia Friendly University. He is currently studying a PhD in the use of immersive technology for People living with dementia. He is a Dementia Ambassador with the Alzheimer’s Society and volunteer with music dementia charity Playlist for Life, in which he has recently been published in the British Journal of Nursing and Mental Health Practice journal promoting personalised music for people living with dementia as an intervention.

James Maddocks is the founder and director of several innovative businesses, where he has spent over a decade developing creative solutions that enhance environments, particularly within healthcare settings. His work has focused on creating dementia-friendly spaces that reduce stress and anxiety for vulnerable individuals, including designing clinical wall graphics and specialised systems for ambulances to improve patient comfort during transport.

James' passion for dementia care stems from his deep understanding of the challenges faced by those living with the condition. His innovative approach has allowed him to make a meaningful impact in healthcare environments, ensuring that people living with dementia experience calming, supportive surroundings.

As Commercial Director of Merseyside Dementia Friendly Radio, James is committed to applying his business expertise to help the station grow, develop partnerships, and drive fundraising efforts. His goal is to ensure that MDFR continues to provide valuable, dementia-friendly content to listeners across Merseyside and beyond.