Jennifer Coates
Co Founder & Company Secretary
With a background in management, customer service and care industries, I now dedicate my life to advocacy, research, and hands-on support for people affected by brain injury and neurodegenerative disease. I am the founder of Marshalling Brain Injuries Alliance, oversee its day-to-day operations, and carry out ongoing research into Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE). Alongside this, I am my husband’s full-time caregiver following his diagnosis of CTE and dementia at the age of 41.
Receiving such a life-changing diagnosis at a young age was devastating for our family and forced us to navigate an often confusing, fragmented, and under-resourced system. Through this experience, I have seen first-hand how isolating and overwhelming life with a degenerative neurological condition can be. I firmly believe that with the right support, clear information, and compassionate guidance, people can regain a sense of control and make informed decisions about their care, wellbeing, and future. This belief sits at the heart of Marshalling Brain Injuries Alliance.
My work is also shaped by my own lived experience as a survivor of domestic violence. Over many years, I sustained multiple concussions and traumatic brain injuries, experiences that deeply influenced my understanding of brain trauma, recovery, and the long-term impact these injuries can have on every aspect of life. Living with the consequences of repeated brain injury has given me a unique perspective — not just as an advocate and researcher, but as someone who truly understands the realities faced by those we support.
I have a long-standing commitment to mental health advocacy, informed by personal experience of PTSD, eating disorders, depression, and anxiety disorders. Having navigated these challenges myself, I am passionate about ensuring that others feel seen, believed, and supported. Lived experience is not a barrier — it is a source of insight, empathy, and strength.
At Marshalling Brain Injuries Alliance, we aim to be a trusted, comprehensive resource for individuals and families affected by CTE, traumatic brain injury, and related conditions. We provide clear, up-to-date information on prevention, diagnosis, benefits, treatment options, and care pathways, alongside practical and emotional support. Our goal is simple: to ensure that no one has to face brain injury or neurodegenerative disease alone.
Podcast with Trunk2Tale Part 1
Lenny Woodard
Director & Ambassador
Lenny Woodard is a former dual-code international rugby player, proud Welshman, and passionate advocate for brain injury awareness.
Born and raised in Wales, Lenny built an exceptional sporting career as a prolific winger, representing his country in both rugby union and rugby league. Academically driven as well as athletically gifted, he studied at Cardiff Metropolitan University, where he earned selection for Wales U21 (union), Wales Students (league), and Great Britain Students (league).
In 1998, he toured Zimbabwe and South Africa with the senior Wales rugby union team and went on to be capped for the senior Wales rugby league team. His club career spanned a number of respected teams including Pontypridd RFC, London Welsh, Ebbw Vale RFC, and Hull Sharks, among others. Lenny remains the highest try scorer in Welsh rugby league history, with an extraordinary 186 tries.
Off the field, Lenny is a devoted father of five. In 2021, at the age of 45, he was diagnosed with early onset dementia and probable CTE — a life-changing moment that has shaped his mission today.
Now serving as both a Director and Ambassador for Marshalling Brain Injuries Alliance, Lenny uses his voice and lived experience to raise awareness of the long-term impact of brain injuries in sport. He is passionate about protecting future generations, supporting those affected, and driving honest, informed conversations around player safety.
Zain Hirani
Director
Zain has spent much of his professional career in finance, but sport has always been a defining passion. He grew up playing rugby, hockey, cricket and tennis, developing an early love of team sport and the camaraderie, discipline and resilience it fosters.
Over the past 15 years, Zain has been an active triathlete and runner. He has completed 10 London Marathons and qualified twice for the Ironman World Championship in Kona. Endurance sport has played a significant role in his life, from helping him manage stress to pushing him towards meaningful personal milestones. Although he has stepped back from Ironman racing, he continues to run the London Marathon each year and remains active as a triathlon coach.
Zain’s commitment to player safety, and in particular to raising awareness of brain injuries in contact sport, was sparked when his son began playing contact rugby at school. What he witnessed, including poor coaching, significant size mismatches and very young children being introduced to contact matches with minimal preparation, left him deeply concerned. That experience led him to immerse himself in the data, research and work of organisations seeking to drive change in this area. He is now a strong advocate for improving safety at junior level and helping to protect children in the game.
Sport has given Zain a huge amount throughout his life. His decision to join the Marshalling Brain Injury Alliance is driven by a desire to support those whose lives have been affected by brain injury, to increase awareness and education, and to help ensure that the sports so many people love continue to evolve as understanding of the brain grows.
Dr Ejay Nsugbe PhD CEng CMath CPhy CSci SMIEEE FIMA FRSA
Director
Dr Ejay Nsugbe is an interdisciplinary engineer, AI researcher, and public health innovator whose work focuses on advancing the understanding, diagnosis, and ethical management of complex health conditions, including neurological and brain-related disorders. As Founder and Programme Lead of Nsugbe Research Labs, he leads international research at the intersection of artificial intelligence, clinical decision support, and digital health, with applications spanning early disease detection, mental health, and neurological assessment.
Dr Nsugbe holds a PhD in Control & Instrumentation from Cranfield University, where his research developed advanced signal processing methods now applicable to healthcare diagnostics, including the analysis of physiological and neurological data. His work has contributed to innovations in non-invasive monitoring, rehabilitation technologies, and AI-driven clinical insights—areas highly relevant to improving understanding and care pathways for conditions such as chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) and other brain injuries.
He brings a strong track record of translating complex science into real-world impact, having collaborated with clinicians, researchers, and policymakers across multiple countries to develop tools that support earlier diagnosis, better patient outcomes, and more equitable access to healthcare innovation. His research portfolio includes applications in psychiatry, rehabilitation medicine, and neurological health, alongside public engagement work aimed at raising awareness of brain health and emerging technologies.
Dr Nsugbe is also actively involved in health policy and public service, contributing to NHS discussions on the safe and ethical use of AI in clinical settings, and participating in national conversations on healthcare innovation. His experience in governance and strategic decision-making supports organisations in navigating the complex intersection of science, ethics, and public wellbeing.
As a Director of Marshalling CTE, Dr Nsugbe brings expertise in neurological data analysis, AI-driven health innovation, and responsible technology governance. He is committed to supporting the charity’s mission to improve awareness, research, and care for individuals affected by brain injury and CTE, helping to bridge the gap between scientific advancement and meaningful community impact.
Steve Sugar
Director
Steve Sugar is a former professional rugby player, experienced healthcare leader, and passionate advocate for brain injury awareness and player safety.
During his rugby career, Steve played at a high level at Bristol, Worcester, Cheltenham and Clifton and then went on to coach Brecon Athletic Oxford, Brecon, Bristol Universities and Devizes. Known for his physical style of play and commitment to the game, he built a respected reputation both on and off the pitch.
Alongside his sporting career, Steve has developed an extensive professional background within healthcare. He is an experienced Paramedic and Senior Manager, having worked across both Emergency Services and acute clinical settings. His expertise is centred around Clinical Risk Management, Patient Safety, and Root Cause Analysis, making him a strong leader in improving safety standards and service delivery.
Steve has since been diagnosed with probable Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) — a progressive brain condition linked to repeated head trauma. This diagnosis has profoundly shaped his perspective and strengthened his commitment to improving safety in sport and supporting those affected.
Now serving as Risk & Safety Director and Ambassador for Marshalling Brain Injuries Alliance, Steve plays a vital role in:
- Leading risk management and safeguarding frameworks across the organisation
- Ensuring safe, structured support environments for all members
- Applying his clinical expertise to improve safety standards and processes
- Advocating for better protection in sport, particularly at grassroots level
Combining lived experience with professional expertise, Steve brings a unique and powerful voice to the organisation — helping drive meaningful change, improve safety, and support those living with the impact of brain injury.
Steve featured in the BBC documentary "Rugby on trial"
Nicola Sopp
Director
Nicola brings a powerful combination of professional expertise and genuine empathy, with a career built around understanding people, building trust and creating meaningful relationships.
With a background in sales, marketing, customer service and leadership, Nicola has spent years working closely with individuals and businesses to understand their needs and deliver solutions that make a real difference. She has led teams, grown businesses and consistently built strong, lasting relationships — skills that are now being channelled into helping Marshalling Brain Injuries Alliance grow its partnerships and reach.
What truly sets Nicola apart is her people-first approach. She is naturally empathetic, supportive and driven by helping others — qualities that are at the heart of everything we do as an organisation supporting those affected by brain injury, trauma and neurological conditions.
As a survivor of domestic abuse with over 20 years in business gives Nicola the ability to connect with all types of people, combined with her commercial experience, makes her uniquely placed to help us build partnerships that are not just transactional, but meaningful — partnerships that enable us to reach more individuals and families who are currently navigating life without the support they need.
Her voice will play an important role in shaping how we grow, ensuring we remain grounded in compassion, understanding and real human connection as we continue to expand our impact.
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