GamesAid raises £82,000 for children’s charities and announces new trustees

GamesAid, the UK’s games industry charity, is pleased to announce that it has raised £82,000 for its four chosen charities for the 2025/26 financial year. Each charity received an equal distribution of £20,500.

The funds were presented at a cheque giving ceremony held on 8 May 2025 at Mason & Fifth in London, bringing together the supported charities, GamesAid ambassadors, new and former trustees, and the wider GamesAid community.

The total was made possible by generous support from across the UK games industry throughout the year, through events, tombolas, raffles, and other fundraising activity. 

“We are incredibly proud of what the GamesAid community has achieved this year. The games industry has faced significant challenges in recent times, and it means a great deal that so many people have continued to give their time, energy and support to our work. Whether you attended one of our events, took part in a tombola, or bought a raffle ticket, or simply spread the word – every contribution made this possible. The charities we support do extraordinary work for children and young people across the UK, and this funding will help them reach even more.” – Sara Veal, Chair

2025/26 charities

The four charities receiving funds from this year’s fundraising are:

• AFK | Working With Disability
• Rays of Sunshine Children’s Charity
• Autistica
• Solving Kids’ Cancer UK

2026/27 charities

GamesAid’s annual membership ballot has concluded. The five charities were nominated by GamesAid members and elected by member vote – reflecting the charity’s fully democratic model. Each will receive in-kind support throughout the year and a cash donation at the end of the financial year:

• AFK / Action For Kids  (returning)
• Solving Kids’ Cancer UK  (returning)
• Game Therapy UK  (previously supported)
• Apart of Me  (first time)
• Spectrum Gaming  (first time)

Trustee appointments

GamesAid is pleased to welcome six new trustees to its board, including the appointment of a Vice Chair, Treasurer and Secretary. The charity also thanks outgoing trustees Mark Washbrook and Gavin Smith for their service and contribution to GamesAid’s mission.

Dom Shaw  –  Vice Chair

Dom is a video games professional working across the ecosystem, including as Events Officer for the IWGB Game Workers Union and Founder of Sussex Games. He is best known for his award-winning EDI work, having led the #RaiseTheGame pledge from 2020 to 2024 and transforming it into a flagship industry initiative. He has also mentored through Limit Break and supported charities including Autistica, Everyone Can and Lifelites.

Catherine Anderson  –  Secretary

Catherine has worked in the games industry for over 25 years, including as an accountant at Eidos and Take Two. Since 2012 she has worked at Green Man Gaming, latterly as part-time Company Secretary. She is also Treasurer at her local Citizens Advice Bureau.

Amelia Suchy  –  Treasurer

Amelia brings over 25 years of experience in project management and business operations across software and consulting businesses. She relocated to the UK over a decade ago to help scale an international operation, navigating complex regulatory environments while building inclusive, values-driven cultures.

Greg Weller  –  Trustee

Greg is Head of Gaming Partnerships at Generation Media, with 20 years’ experience across the entertainment industry. After starting his career in music at EMI, Sony and Virgin, he moved into senior marketing roles at Rockstar Games, Bethesda and Team17, working on titles including GTA V, Red Dead Redemption 2, Skyrim and Dishonored.

Jon Paterson  –  Trustee

Jon is Games and Creative Innovation Lead at Barclays, where he has worked since 2018 to support the growth of the UK games and creative industries. His work spans major industry partnerships and sponsorships, large-scale events including the EGX Barclays Rezzed Stage and Scottish games events, and strategic projects across the sector.

Matthieu Gras  –  Trustee

Matt is CEO and Co-Founder of CineRPG CIC, a volunteer-led non-profit based in Bristol that uses film, games and fandom to reduce loneliness and social isolation. He has held the role since April 2024.

The new appointments join existing trustee Sara Veal, who continues as Chair.
Mention Gavin and Mark as departing trustees

Join GamesAid as a member

GamesAid is a membership organisation open to anyone working in the UK games industry. Membership is free and gives members the right to nominate and vote for the charities GamesAid supports each year, attend member-only events, and receive a monthly membership mailer. Members shape the direction of the charity.

Find out more and join at www.gamesaid.org

About GamesAid

GamesAid is the UK games industry charity, raising funds for UK charities working with children and young people. As the only fully democratic charity in the games space, members of the games industry nominate and vote for supported charities each year. GamesAid is run entirely by volunteer trustees. Registered charity number: 1081706. www.gamesaid.org

Media enquiries: info@gamesaid.org