Meet the team

Tom Bacon

Christian, non-denominational

I studied at Edge Hill in the early 2000s and was heavily involved in student life – particularly in the running of the Christian Union. I fell in love with the Ormskirk area, and settled down, becoming heavily involved with Ormskirk Christian Fellowship and some of the local churches. I’ve always had a passion for my campus and acted as a Student Link between my church and the student community for a number of years. It was while serving in that capacity that I met my wife, Fiona.

It’s my firm conviction that student life is a unique time, one of unlimited potential, when character is shaped and refined. As such, it’s been my privilege to support students in their development and growth, often helping them deal with sometimes quite intense personal issues. I still serve as part of Ormskirk Christian Fellowship’s wider leadership team, I’m an active lay preacher, and I help run Kids’ Church and Youth groups. In terms of my career, I’m a freelance writer who focuses on the television and entertainment industry.

Rev. Justin Malewezi Jnr

Christian, Catholic

My name is Rev. Justin Malewezi Jnr. The word “Malewezi” means zebra stripes in Chichewa language. I was born and raised in Malawi, Africa. I am passionate about helping people reach their God-given potential by supporting them in life and faith. From a young age my father helped me to understand that as a community we need to look after each other and that every person in the society is valuable and should be respected. My vision is to help build communities in the United Kingdom and Africa that are centred on the love of God. Communities that show love through prayer and work.

As a chaplain, I hope to share time for prayer and reflection.  Time to be still for a moment, time to be spiritually centred. I welcome people of all faiths or no faith.

Rev. Dave Lawson (St James’ Manchester campus)

Christian, Catholic

I have been a member of staff at Edge Hill University for ten years and in this time, I have seen this University grow and grow. My background is as a healthcare professional where I worked in operating theatres before joining the University full time as a Lecturer.  I am now a Senior Lecturer working across both Ormskirk and St James’ Campus in Manchester where I teach and support undergraduate and post graduate students.

As a permanent Deacon within the Catholic Church, I assist with two parishes in St Helens, namely St Austin’s and St Teresa’s, the Deanery of St Helens and Archdiocese of Liverpool.

Drawing on my own training and experience and as a member of the Catholic Chaplain’s in higher education, I am looking forward to supporting staff and students spiritually and pastorally as a newly appointed Chaplain at Edge Hill.

Phill Ingram

Christian, non-denominational

Hi there, my name is Phill and I am one of the newest members of the Chaplaincy
team here at Edge Hill.

Having been born deaf, everyday life has proven to be quite challenging over the
years. I wear hearing aids in both ears and learning how to speak was a continuous
challenge throughout my school education. However, I persevered with it and it has
been an incredible journey ever since! I can also do a little sign language.

Currently, I work part-time as a HGV class one lorry driver, working 3 nights a week,
and I am also an ordained minister. For over 10 years, I was a Pastor of a free
church, called ‘The Lighthouse Christian Centre,’ in a little town called Brierfield,
situated between Burnley and Nelson. It was a life changing and challenging
experience for me. But I loved it!

My most recent adventure has seen me write my first ever book about my life
growing up and the challenges that I faced. I am on campus on a Monday between 10am-1pm and I would love the opportunity to meet with you.

Rabbi Natan Fagleman

Jewish

Rabbi Natan Fagleman works with students in Liverpool and the North West. Growing up in Manchester, he knows a thing or two about the area. He is married to Avital who also hails from Manchester and they have six children. He has worked both as a teacher and a Rabbi and has strong pastoral skills as a result. He enjoys helping people, and especially enjoy working with students.

For individual faith support or for information relating to events going on in the local area, please feel free to contact Natan.

Dr Elke Weissmann

Buddhist

Elke runs a weekly guided meditation session every Wednesday 12pm in Seminar Room A in The Arts Centre.

Priyanka More and Esther Clarke

Christian

Priyanka and Esther run a weekly Christian Prayer and Bible Study Group for staff and students at Edge Hill.

Please get in touch if you have any questions or need further information.