Nelly was born in Holland, and taught as a primary school teacher for several years before coming to England in 1974. She studied at a Missionary Training College in London, worked at St Mary's Ealing for 4 years, followed by studying at Trinity Theological College in Bristol for 2 years. She joined the staff at Christ Church as Parish Worker in 1981, married Chris and left in 1983 to have a family.
She joined the staff anew in January 2007 and looks forward to developing the work among the many senior and recently retired members. Her calling is to encourage the seniors 'to be strong in the Lord' while they face the many challenges of this last phase in their lives, so being witnesses of God's grace and presence in their communities.