Sherelle Dresner
Chief Executive
Sherelle counts it as a privilege to have been Melvin’s step‑daughter, having had him in her life since the age of twelve. She describes Melvin as someone who was always there for her — dependable, reliable, and a constant source of support. His loss is felt every day, and his memory continues to shape her values, her work, and her commitment to helping others.
Sherelle established Mensch Like Melvin with the support of her family and the charity’s trustees, patrons and wider team of dedicated supporters, including close friends. The charity reflects her determination to honour Melvin’s legacy by encouraging compassion, integrity and a commitment to strengthening connections across communities, fostering understanding between people of different backgrounds, and promoting the principle of treating others as we would wish to be treated.
Sherelle has experience working in the charity sector including working as a project co‑ordinator for a local employment charity as well as a general manager for a mental health charity, roles that strengthened her skills in service delivery, organisational leadership and community support. She has also worked within education, teaching primary‑aged children and supporting high‑school students with additional needs in a SEND department, giving her a broad understanding of child development and family challenges.
Currently, Sherelle works as a registered Dietitian within a local NHS community trust, providing Dietetic care to patients of all ages. Her clinical expertise, combined with her charity and education background, provides a valuable foundation for the oversight and development of Mensch Like Melvin. The closeness she shared with Melvin continues to inspire her determination to build a charity that truly honours his legacy.
Isaac (Yitzy) Ginsbury MBE
Trustee
Isaac has been involved in community projects since moving to Manchester in 2007, contributing to a wide range of initiatives that support and strengthen Greater Manchester's Jewish community. Isaac is the Chief Executive of The Jewel Foundation, an employment support charity helping the economic development of the local Community.
Isaac also works closely with Local Authorities and NHS Trusts, especially Bury Council and Manchester Foundation NHS Trust as a community connector, building relationships, supporting residents and ensuring the needs of the Jewish community are understood and met at a service user level. In 2024 Isaac was awarded the honour of an MBE in recognition of this tremendous work and contributions to local charities and the local community.
Isaac is also a Governor of a local high school and is excited to be involved in Mensch like Melvin and develop connections between different communities.
Emma Jones
Trustee
An experienced healthcare professional, Emma works as an NHS Dietitian specialising in trauma and neurosurgery, supporting patients and families through some of the most complex and challenging medical journeys. Her clinical expertise and compassionate approach have made her a valued member of the multidisciplinary teams she works alongside.
Emma’s beliefs and values have been deeply shaped by both her family history and personal tragedy. As the granddaughter of a Holocaust survivor, Emma developed a passion for shared humanity at an early age. Her commitment to empathy was furthered by the loss of sister in law, Nell, who was just 14 years old when she was killed in the Manchester Arena attack. In honour of Nell’s memory, Emma gave her daughter—now three years old—the middle name Nell, a daily reminder of the love and legacy carried forward within her own family.
Emma embodies the qualities of a mensch in both her personal and professional life. She strives to treat everyone she encounters with respect, patience and understanding, reflecting a commitment to kindness that guides her work and relationships.
When approached to join the board of trustees for Mensch Like Melvin, Emma expressed deep belief in the charity’s mission. She values its focus on inspiring others to act with compassion and integrity, ensuring Melvin’s legacy continues to encourage goodness in the world.
Yoni Finlay
Trustee
A father of four, Yoni works in the energy management and consultancy space. In his spare time, he is a devoted volunteer for The Friendship Circle, a Salford based charity supporting Jewish children and adults with physical and learning difficulties. He dedicates his time to helping the organisation and actively raises funds for its work, including recently completing the Great Manchester Run half marathon in support of the charity.
Yoni was seriously injured during the Yom Kippur attack, an incident that tragically claimed the lives of Melvin and Adrien Daulby. He has spoken publicly about the emotional impact of the attack, the rise in antisemitism in the UK, and the urgent need for meaningful societal change, and has remained deeply committed to communal resilience and healing.
Yoni spends time numerous weeks throughout the year reading the Torah portion on the Jewish Sabbath in different communities across the country. This practice allows him to connect with diverse congregations, strengthen inter community bonds, and share in the spiritual and cultural life of Jewish communities nationwide.
Yoni's willingness to speak out, support others, and transform personal trauma into communal strength, alongside his belief in the importance of generosity, community connection, and giving to others, reflects the values at the heart of Mensch Like Melvin, as well as his commitment to interfaith and inter community understanding, and his resolve that helping others brings profound benefit to both oneself and others.
Peretz Tabor
Trustee
Peretz is a Jewish Studies and class teacher at King David Primary School in Greater Manchester. Beyond his professional work, Peretz is recognised within his community for his environmental activism, regularly organising and taking part in local litter-picking initiatives. His practical, hands-on approach has inspired both children and adults to take pride in their neighbourhoods and contribute to the common good.
A dedicated educator, Peretz has long been involved in teaching and in fostering dialogue and understanding through interfaith initiatives. He previously volunteered with charities supporting people experiencing homelessness in London and continues to be actively involved in similar initiatives in Manchester, reflecting his enduring commitment to service and compassion.
Peretz has spoken openly about the experience of being visibly Jewish in contemporary Britain, expressing pride in his identity while highlighting the challenges faced by Jewish families and advocating for greater understanding, resilience, and communal solidarity.
Upon joining the Board of Trustees of Mensch Like Melvin, Peretz expressed his appreciation for the opportunity to support a project that encourages people, through education and personal example, to embody the qualities of a true mensch in honour of Melvin.
Our team
Mensch Like Melvin is led by a passionate team of individuals united by a commitment to honouring Melvin's memory and inspiring compassion across communities. Our Chief Executive, trustees, and patrons bring diverse skills, experience, and a deep belief in the importance of kindness, integrity, and mutual support.
Our Patrons and Supporters:
We are incredibly grateful for the help, support and encouragement provided to us by our patrons and supporters.
Rachel Riley MBE
Patron
Photo credit: Amy Brammall
Baroness Luciana Berger
Patron
Rachel is one of the UK’s most recognisable television personalities, best known for her long‑running role as the numbers presenter on Channel 4’s Countdown and its comedy counterpart 8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown.
Beyond her television career, Rachel is widely respected for her advocacy work. She has been a prominent campaigner for Holocaust education and antisemitism awareness, drawing on her own family’s Jewish heritage and history. In recognition of her efforts, Rachel received an MBE in 2023 and was later awarded the Freedom of the City of London.
Rachel’s commitment to public good extends across multiple charitable and educational initiatives. Her work blends intellectual clarity, compassion and a strong sense of responsibility — qualities that align closely with the values of Mensch Like Melvin.
Her presence as a patron strengthens the charity’s mission of encouraging kindness, integrity and moral courage across generations, in honour of Melvin’s legacy.
Baroness Luciana Berger is a distinguished British politician and public advocate, widely recognised for her leadership in public health, mental health, and community wellbeing.
Throughout her career, Baroness Berger has demonstrated a deep commitment to improving lives across the UK. Her work has spanned public health, energy and climate policy, mental health advocacy, and social care.
Baroness Berger’s leadership is shaped by values rooted in community responsibility and social justice. She has received a number of awards for her work including the Jo Cox Memorial Award for Bravery & Heroism, and the Jewish Care Woman of Distinction Award 2019.
Her career reflects resilience, compassion and a commitment to repairing the world — values she attributes to her Jewish upbringing. These qualities align closely with the mission of Mensch Like Melvin, making her an inspiring and influential patron.
Our Donors
The team at Mensch Like Melvin is truly grateful to the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) for their grant supporting the start‑up of the charity in Melvin’s honour and legacy. This funding has not only assisted with essential start‑up costs but has also served as a powerful demonstration of GMCA’s belief in the mission and aims of the charity.
Nicola Mendelsohn CBE, one of the most influential figures in global advertising and technology, generously offered a financial contribution to the charity when our Chief Executive reached out to her with nothing more than the initial concept. The team has been deeply moved by this act of kindness and support, recognising it as a meaningful endorsement of the charity’s vision.