Active Lancashire is thrilled to announce the appointment of three new professionals to its board as independent members: Zaynab Jogi, Nigel Murray, and Georgina Roby. Each brings a wealth of expertise and passion to help the charity drive positive change in local communities.
Zaynab “Zee” Jogi
Zaynab, known to many as Zee, is a Blackburn and Lancashire-based community leader, adventurer, and charity founder. She made history as the first British Muslim woman to achieve two Guinness World Records on Mount Kilimanjaro, conquering both the gruelling trek to Uhuru Peak Basecamp (5,364m) and a demanding obstacle course at 5,644m alongside 45 athletes from 26 countries.
Six years ago, she founded Z’s Defence Academy, a charity focused on breaking down mental health barriers for people of all ages through sport, outdoor pursuits, self-defence, and volunteering. At its heart, the Academy helps vulnerable women build resilience, confidence, and life skills to lead independent and fulfilling lives.
Zee said: “Our aim is to inspire people to achieve through adventure and to conquer their fears. By overcoming obstacles and maximising their potential, they can enrich the perception of generations. The charity’s mission is to engage, educate, and empower.”
With 17 years of volunteering experience, Zee is also a qualified fitness instructor, boxing coach, mixed martial artist, and the only British female self-defence course instructor in the North West.
Nigel Murray
Nigel is the Managing Director of Booths, the Northern family-owned retailer with 25 stores and over 175 years of history. Since joining in 2015, he has played a pivotal role on the Booths Board and Executive team, while also contributing nationally as a member of DEFRA’s Food & Drink Sector Council and Chair of the Food Resilience Industry Roundtable.
A Blackburn native and proud Northerner, Nigel began his career in food retailing with Safeway, Tetley, Asda, and Greggs. He is also a Trustee of The Creative Health Trust UK, a Commissioner for Yorkshire’s Fix Our Food Commission, and an Ambassador for Lancashire.
Outside his professional career, Nigel is a passionate cyclist and fundraiser. In 2021, he completed the full Tour de France route as part of a team of amateur riders raising over £100,000 for Cure Leukaemia, and under his leadership Booths has committed more than £400,000 to blood cancer research at Blackpool Teaching Hospital.
Georgina Roby
Georgina is a highly experienced strategic senior manager with over 25 years in marketing, communications, and cultural development across the public, private, and charity sectors. A Chartered Marketer with a BA (Hons) in Public Relations, her career began with Wigan Leisure and Culture Trust, where she championed sport, leisure, and culture.
Her later work with Wigan Council included leading award-winning digital strategies and securing £36m in external cultural funding within five years. More recently, she helped deliver a £1.3m arts and cultural programme for the UEFA Women’s EURO 2022 across ten UK host cities.
In June 2025, Georgina joined Lancashire County Council as Head of Cultural Services, and she is one of two nominated officers from LCC on the Active Lancashire Board.
Outside work, Georgina lives in rural West Lancashire with her family. A dedicated yogi with over 20 years’ practice, she is also a member of the Lancashire Wildlife Trust, reflecting her commitment to wellbeing and the natural environment.
Adrian Leather, Chief Executive of Active Lancashire expressed his delight at the new additions, stating: “We are thrilled to welcome Zaynab, Nigel, and Georgina to our Board. They each bring unique skills, experiences, and perspectives that will be invaluable as we continue our mission to reduce inequalities and improve health and wellbeing across Lancashire.
“Their leadership and passion for community will help us continue our mission of embedding movement, sport, and physical activity in the lives of people across our county.”
