Jayne Cobban-Hughes

Lead Investigator

Hi ghost hunters. Only Jayne.

I am married with a 15 year old son. I decided to start this business two years ago because I wanted to share my hobby with others and love meeting new people, it's the best decision ever.

In the day time I am a very busy health and safety consultant and at weekends I am a volunteer area manager and assessor for the charity Pets as Therapy.

I have always had a healthy interest in the paranormal and consider myself a sceptic, but happy to be proven wrong. I would love to experience something that will change my mind set.

Can't wait to meet you at one of our events...

... it won't be your last x

Julie Styles

Investigator / Host

Hi, I'm Julie. I'm married to Noel and have 2 dogs. I have two boys and 4 wonderful grandchildren.

I work in Information Governance in the NHS, albeit part-time now since retiring last April.

The TV show Most Haunted sparked my interest in the paranormal. We'd also had some strange experiences in a bungalow where we lived, that scared me, but intrigued me at the same time. The thought that there could be life after death fascinated me and prompted me to go on the odd event here and there.

It wasn't until 2011 that I joined a group and started investigating regularly, travelling all over the UK. My first experience of table tipping / ouija board had me addicted.

I can't think of a better night out than sitting in the dark in some historical / derelict building gathering evidence. I hope we meet on an event soon x

Kev Hughes

Investigator / Host

For a couple of years I really wanted to stay in the tapestry room at Muncaster Castle in Cumbria following a tourist trip but couldn't find anyone willing to join me and wasn't paying £300 to get locked in on my own.

Some time later, my wife asked if I'd like to attend a paranormal evening at Plas Teg, a 17th century Jacobean mansion in North Wales.

After a couple of visits we were invited to join the team and ended up running one of the nights there for over 10 years as well as working with other teams at different locations along the way.

Do I believe in ghosts and spirits?

Time will tell, but I've met some great people and had lots of laughs along the way...

Mal Fairclough

Investigator / Host

My name is Mal, short for Malcolm (that I only get called when I'm in trouble lol) and I work as an engineer for a large manufacturing company. I have over 10 years experience in paranormal investigations and have been aprt of teams running events for most of those 10 years.

My interest started many years ago while watching a so called live investigation with Sarah Green in the early 90's called Ghostwatch which at first appeared to be legit but ended up being a staged drama. I have to admit it fooled me lol.

I then started watching Most Haunted (I know but I didn't know any better at that point) which gave me the idea of taking part in an investigation. My first investigation was at Hack Green with Kev (now also with Blackgate) and the team he was running that I went on to join. I was hooked from that point on and am now proud to be part of the Blackgate team.

I class myself as a sceptical believer who while believe in spirits will always try to debunk activity first.

Mandy Welch

Investigator / Host

Hi I'm Mandy. I am married to Tony and have 2 daughters and 2 grandchildren.

I have been a paranormal investigator for about five years. This is how I met Kev and Mal at Plas Teg and I joined their team.

I love investigating and I believe in ghosts and spirits.

I am so lucky to be part of Blackgate Paranormal team and look forward to meeting you all.

Holly Welch

Investigator / Host

Hi my name is Holly. I have been a paranormal investigator for 4 years. I'm Mandy's daughter.

I'm 22 and have cerebral palsy but I don't let this hold me back.

I am an avid horror movie fan and love watching true crime documentaries. I am sensitive and what some would consider a medium.

I joined Blackgate Paranormal in 2022 after being a guest on a few events. I love making new friends so I'm very excited to meet all of you.

Ian Aird

Investigator / Host

I'm Ian, I'm 43 and have been a paranormal investigator for about 15 years.

I am somewhat sensitive but don't class myself as a medium as I won't do reading for people.

I have had some fantastic experiences with the spirit world but if you want to hear about them then join us on an investigation

Ian Bolderson

Investigator / Host

Having been interested in the Paranormal from an early age began Ghost Hunting around 15 years ago like many encouraged by popular tv shows.

Whilst attending investigations began to pick up more and more realising it had been something I could always do attended Mediumship training for number of years learning both to improve my ability and practice.

Have been involved with a few teams both events and private had planned on full retirement due to medical issue however following an improvement in my condition I have been given the opportunity by Black gate to continue to do something I enjoy.