Our Team
Emma and Phil are the founders of the Joe Dix Foundation. However, the charity would not exist without the dedication, hard work, and commitment of its incredible Trustee Board. Each trustee brings unique skills, experience, and passion that are vital to the Foundation’s work and progression.
Emma Dix-Founder and trustee
Joe was Emma’s first-born child and only son. Following Joe’s tragic murder, Emma and her partner Phil made the decision to turn their experience into something positive by supporting other parents and young people. In the summer of 2022, they joined forces with Lorraine Bliss and have been building the Foundation together ever since.
Emma qualified as a diagnostic radiographer in 1999 and has worked across both the NHS and private sector. In 2011, she completed her Postgraduate Diploma in Ultrasound and now manages the Antenatal Ultrasound Department at Norfolk & Norwich University Hospital. Emma takes great pride in leading her team by example, with patient care always at the heart of her work.
Since becoming involved with the Foundation, Emma has grown in confidence as a public speaker, developed many new skills, and built valuable connections. Outside of work, she finds long walks with her dog, Buddy, deeply therapeutic and loves spending time with her daughter, Bethany. When life gets stressful, Emma relies on coffee and Cadbury’s chocolate to keep her going.
Phil Dix-Designated safeguarding lead and trustee
Joe was Phil’s only son and worked alongside him as a labourer. On 28 January 2022, Phil and Joe were working together on the day Joe was tragically murdered. They shared a love of Nike trainers, caps, and designer clothing, a bond that reflected their close relationship both at work and in life.
Phil qualified as a carpenter at Norwich City College in 1997 and is the owner of Phil Dix Carpentry. He undertakes a mixture of domestic and subcontracted work across the country.
Phil has a strong passion for sport, particularly football, and plays cricket at Sprowston Cricket Club, where he also manages the bar in the clubhouse. He has completed his first aid training and is due to undertake the Designated Safeguarding Lead training course in November.
Phil has a natural ability to engage and communicate with young people, both through his work and at cricket. Joe’s friends describe him as approachable and easy to talk to. Phil is committed to using his experiences to raise awareness and help prevent other families from facing a similar tragedy.
Alan Bliss-Chairperson & trustee
Alan is a retired Employment Law Specialist, Tribunal Advocate, and Consultant who has volunteered and campaigned for many years to promote opportunity and social justice for young people who are less able to speak for themselves. He is an experienced Charity Trustee and brings a wealth of knowledge, insight, and governance experience to the Trustee Board.
In his spare time, Alan enjoys all sports, particularly cricket and football, and—like his wife Lorraine—is a lifelong Arsenal fan. More recently, he has discovered a passion for gardening and is an enthusiastic aspiring artist.
Lorraine Bliss MBE- trustee & fundraiser
Lorraine recently retired as CEO of St Edmunds Society, in Norwich where she had been since 1991 spending most of that time in the role of CEO. In addition, being a Trustee of the Joe Dix Foundation, she currently advises on young people projects in the Voluntary Sector. She is widely regarded as a champion of young people and has campaigned endlessly for improved opportunities for those that have struggled or been unable to cope in traditional educational settings.
In 1966 she set up an accommodation project for young men, St Eds Trustee Board influenced by Lorraine, took the view that to make a real difference to the homeless problem it was necessary to change their outlook completely and find a way of giving those largely without any qualifications, the opportunity to learn a trade or something that would see them able to work, earn money and contribute to society as a whole. Many were talented and had much to offer but had become used to constant rejection and failure. Lorraine has presided over an incredible journey of growth and change and took St Eds to become the largest independent Alternative Provision in Norfolk, offering young people some 150 training places a week in a variety of vocational skills but mainly Construction, at their centre in Norwich and an avid supporter of YouthBuild UK.
Formal recognition of her efforts came when she received an MBE from HRH Prince William, in the 2019 New Year’s Honours List and a celebration of her charity achievements where she was presented to HM King Charles, (then Prince of Wales) at Buckingham Palace, in 2020. Her energy seldom wanes, and she is regularly found lobbying politicians and striving to identify ways to make the plight of the young people who she describes as the “forgotten generation” that much better.
When she finally relaxes, she enjoys travelling in the company of Alan, her husband of many years and spending time with the rest of her family and grandchildren. Her secret vices are her boxer dog Enzo and she is a lifelong and passionate “Gooner” (Arsenal fan)
Dr Nicola Wallace-King - trustee
Nikki Wallace-King is an Emergency Medicine Consultant and Trust Trauma Lead at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital. She has a special connection with the Dix family following her involvement in Joe’s care after he was taken to hospital following a violent attack. Although efforts to save him were sadly unsuccessful, Nikki has since agreed to become a Trustee of the organisation established in his name, driven by a shared determination to help prevent similar tragedies and save others in the future.
Nikki grew up in Norfolk, attended medical school in Newcastle, and returned to Norfolk to complete the remainder of her medical training. She previously worked for three years as a Pre-hospital Emergency Medicine Doctor with the East Anglian Air Ambulance and currently undertakes monthly shifts with the Lincs & Notts Air Ambulance.
She also brings a strong understanding of the charity sector, having previously run both the Newcastle and National Marrow student branches of Anthony Nolan, and currently provides medical advice to the British Eventing Support Trust.
Nikki lives in Norfolk with her husband and two sausage dogs, and in her limited spare time enjoys riding her horse, Smartie.
Hollie Randlesome- Vice chair and trustee
Hollie currently lives in Norfolk with her husband and two children. She is a qualified counsellor and life coach who is passionate about her work and about helping young people reach their full potential and overcome challenges. Outside of her professional life, Hollie enjoys spending time with her family and friends. She loves cooking, being outdoors, and is very sociable, thriving in environments where she can meet new people.
Haze Carver- trustee
Info to follow
Claire Hudson-trustee
Claire has worked in the personal development sector for young people and adults for over 28 years. Her experience is wide-ranging, from delivering, organising, and developing bespoke programmes to using the outdoor world as a powerful classroom. She has supported people in progressing their life journeys both within centres and on expeditions across the UK.
With a genuine passion for people and a strong love of life, Claire’s bubbly personality often sees her taking on new challenges in her spare time, alongside owning and running X Adventure Activities. She thrives on helping individuals and groups turn challenges into achievements.
Claire is also a Community First Responder for the East of England Ambulance Service and values being on call to support people during medical emergencies whenever possible.
An avid outdoor enthusiast, Claire enjoys making the impossible—or seemingly unachievable—possible. She snowboards, caves, mountaineers, and also appreciates the simpler things in life, such as listening to others, connecting through conversation, and enjoying arts and crafts.
Her next personal challenge is running the London Landmarks Half Marathon for Age UK in April 2026. While running isn’t her favourite activity, she believes stepping outside her comfort zone builds empathy—especially when it’s for the benefit of others. She is, however, still keeping an eye out for the men in white coats.