Meet the Team

Kate Connor

Interim Director of Fundraising

As its first-ever volunteer, the Bone Cancer Research Trust has been a part of my life since 2005. I cannot believe how far the charity has come since then, and it's just fantastic to see it go from strength to strength. I became the charity's first member of staff in 2007 and my role has evolved a great deal since then.

Initially my role was very varied from managing the website, to supporting our fundraisers, organising conferences, co-ordinating the research grants and overseeing the campaign for NICE to approve the new osteosarcoma drug Mepact! These days I am very much focused on fundraising which is my absolute passion!

Deborah Flyde

Head of Marketing and Communications

With over 15 years' experience in marketing roles, developing and delivering communications strategies nationally and internationally, I am delighted to be part of the team at the Bone Cancer Research Trust. I am passionate and dedicated about raising awareness of primary bone cancer and to represent our researchers, supporters, and fundraisers alongside inspiring more people to support our vital work.

Dr Zoe Davison

Director of Research and Information & Deputy CEO

After doing my PhD and a short spell doing breast cancer research, which I loved, I soon realised that a career in a research laboratory was not for me. I then got involved in the world of biobanking at Newcastle University and haven’t looked back. I was involved in both local cancer biobank projects and also with the CCLG national biobank.

I really enjoy engaging with the clinical and research community, and with the public and patients to facilitate the collection of tissue samples for use in research.

Dr Victoria Vinader

Head of Research

Following a PhD in her native Spain, Viqui moved to the USA, where she spent 2 years as a postdoctoral research fellow at the Johns Hopkins University, specialising on Organic and Medicinal Chemistry. Upon her return to the UK, she joined the Pharmaceutical Industry (GSK), where she worked for 14 years on a wide variety of therapeutic areas (cardiovascular, respiratory, pain) and finally moving to Academia, where during the last 12 years, she has specialised on Cancer Research. Over the years, she has trained numerous undergraduate and postgraduate students to carry on the fight against this cruel disease.

Viqui brings to BCRT her experience, but more importantly her enthusiasm for research.

“I am really excited to Join Team Bones and I hope to make a tangible difference to the lives of PBC patients and their families”.

Joanne Wright

Trusts & Foundations Fundraising Officer

I originally joined the Support & Information Team at the Bone Cancer Research Trust in October 2019 as a Support & Information Officer. I thoroughly enjoyed my time in that team and am so proud of helping to grow the support & information service to where it is today, supporting more primary bone patients and their families than ever.

In August 2024, I made a sideways move to the Trusts & Foundations Team to work as a Trusts & Foundations Fundraising Officer. I am looking forward to the challenges the new role will bring and to raising funds to enable the Bone Cancer Research Trust to continue its vital work.

It is a privilege to work in such a dynamic charity and to be able to make a difference to the lives of primary bone cancer patients and their families.

Siobhan Cullen

Regional Relationship Manager (Midlands, Wales and Ireland)

I joined Bone Cancer Research Trust in October 2020, following a career break to travel across South and Central America (luckily pre-COVID!) Before setting off on my travels, I worked for many years in community fundraising and community development for a large national charity. I’m excited to have the opportunity to make a difference to the lives of bone cancer patients and their families and feel very proud to work alongside such an incredibly dedicated and motivated team. #TeamBones!

Bridget Bones

Team Mascot

Our very own Bridget Bones travels everywhere with us. You can never beat her on style and she is always ready to support our amazing fundraisers! Keep your eyes peeled for Bridget’s next appearance!

Debbie McCartney

Founder

Debbie became involved with the Bone Cancer Research Trust following the sad passing of her daughter Stephanie in 2003 following a battle with osteosarcoma. To this present day, Stephanie’s family still support our work in Stephanie's memory.

Professor Ian J. Lewis

Founder

Ian was a Medical Director at Alder Hey Hospital in Liverpool, and previously a Consultant Paediatric Oncologist in Leeds from 1985. Ian also undertook a number of senior leadership roles including Deputy Medical Director; and Associate Medical Director for Children’s Strategy for NHS Yorkshire and Humber. He has a number of national roles and responsibilities. He is a member of both the Department of Health Payment by Results Clinical Advisory Group; and the National Clinical Advisory Team.

In January 2012, Ian was appointed as co-Chair of the National Children and Young People’s Healthcare Outcomes Forum with the remit to advise the Secretary of State about how to improve healthcare outcomes for children and young people. Ian remains active in clinical research, particularly clinical trials and health services research and he has a national and international reputation within paediatric and adolescent oncology.

Professor Rob Grimer

Founder

Rob was one of the founding Trustees of the Bone Cancer Research Trust and is Professor of Orthopaedic Oncology at the Royal Orthopaedic Hospital, Birmingham. He is one of the world's leading authorities on sarcoma, and has helped pioneer the use of extendable prostheses and the use of new surgical techniques such as irradiation and re-implantation of bone to treat sarcoma.

Gill Callar

Founder

Our daughter Emma was diagnosed with osteosarcoma in 2001. She spent two years fighting this terrible cancer. Talking with other parents we felt something needed to be done. We were told research had been very slow on primary bone cancer. Watching your child – how ever old – battle this unrelenting disease; amputation, chemotherapy, thoracotomy, it’s endless... it still comes back.

Why wouldn’t you want to help make a difference? After lots of talking, tears and research we all got together to push on with the road to research. Our involvement with the birth of this charity is something we felt we should do in the memory of Emma.

Nick Bones

Founder

Being there at the start of the charity made me very proud. I just wanted to put something back and help promote awareness of bone cancer. I was very much aware that things hadn’t changed much since my diagnosis in 1987 and this needed to change. Knowing that I have had some input in the success of the charity gives me great pleasure. Read Nick's story.

Teresa Thompson

Founding Member

Teresa became involved with the Bone Cancer Research Trust when the Joseph Thompson Bone Cancer Trust became one of our founding members. Joseph sadly passed away in June 2003 at just 12 years old following a battle with osteosarcoma.

Lin Carvell

Founder

We lost our daughter Jennifer to bone cancer in August 2003 after an 8 month battle. At that time there was very little support or contact with other affected families due to the rarity of this cancer. We felt very alone and helpless. The treatment available back in 2003 was very limited with a poor success rate, and we knew at that point that something had to be done to help others in the future to overcome this debilitating, horrendous cancer. After the passing of our daughter we were determined to help other families and patients in the future as we didn’t want others going through what we had. We were determined that our daughter’s passing was not going to be in vain.

Patricia Smith

Founder

Patricia had raised a considerable amount for primary bone cancer research over a number of years before the decision to establish the Bone Cancer Research Trust was made. She then joined in with the charity's founding and became one of the first trustees. Patricia’s daughter, Krystle, sadly passed away following a battle with Ewing sarcoma in 2002. Since Krystle’s passing, her family have made a huge contribution towards research into Ewing sarcoma.

Patrick Hardman

Founder

Patrick became a Founding Trustee of the Bone Cancer Research Trust following the sad passing of his son Christopher, who is pictured here, to osteosarcoma in 2004. Patrick was Deputy Chair of the Bone Cancer Research Trust for 12 months and acted as a Trustee for 8 years, making an invaluable contribution to the charity.

He and his family went on to establish the Christopher Hardman Osteosarcoma Research Fund (CHORF) and to raise a great deal of funds for and awareness of our work.

Gill Johnston

Founder and Trustee

My son, Anthony, was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma in April 2001. He started fundraising whilst going through his treatment. Sadly he lost his battle in October 2002. After his death, I continued with his fundraising and registered the Anthony Pilcher Bone Cancer Trust.

I am incredibly proud to also be a founder and active trustee of the Bone Cancer Research Trust. Anthony wanted to ensure that at some stage in the future, children and young adults would have earlier diagnosis, better drugs and improved survival rates. I will endeavour to carry out his wishes (and mine) to the best possible end.

Mike and Ros Francis

Founder and Former Clerk to the Trustees

Mike and Ros Francis played a large part in the start of the charity in their roles of a Founding Trustee and the first Chairman for five years (Mike) and Clerk to the Trustees for seven years (Ros). Their involvement began after losing their son Guy to osteosarcoma. Guy raised thousands of pounds specifically for research into bone cancer whilst in remission.

Professor Ian Lewis, who had treated him knew this and invited Mike and Ros with four other families in the same situation to consider starting a charity. Eighteen months later the Bone Cancer Research Trust became a registered charity. As parents, having experienced the agonies and joys of Guy’s cancer journey with him, Mike and Ros found it really positive to help establish the Bone Cancer Research Trust and look forward to seeing what the future holds for the charity...

Professor Bernadette Brennan

Trustee

I am a Professor in Paediatric Oncology in Manchester with a long clinical practice and research profile in bone tumours, and lead the front line trial in the UK and Europe in Ewing sarcoma. I wanted to become a trustee for BCRT to allow my skills and experience in bone tumour research to advance the goals of BCRT. I also felt it was important to use these skills for the important shared goal of myself and BCRT to improve outcomes in bone cancer.

Bernadette is the Bone Cancer Research Trust's lead trustee for safeguarding.

Mr Jonathan Stevenson

Trustee

Jonathan is a specialist in orthopaedic oncology at the Royal Orthopaedic Hospital, Birmingham. He qualified at the University of Birmingham in 2005, gained his specialist training at the Robert Jones & Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital, Oswestry and began working at the Royal Orthopaedic Hospital NHS Trust in 2015. He is a Senior Honorary Clinical Lecturer in Orthopaedics at Aston University. He has been awarded multiple national research prizes in orthopaedic oncology including the British Orthopaedic Association International travelling fellowship award in 2014, visiting the Tata Memorial hospital in Mumbai and the British Orthopaedic Oncology Society European travelling fellowship award in 2015.

"I joined as a Trustee for BCRT in 2018 to channel my energy and enthusiasm into a growing charity that is supporting research nationally to identify, prevent, treat and support children and adults in bone tumours so that we see improved outcomes as soon as possible"

Laurence Whiteley MBE

Ambassador

We're delighted to have Olympic gold medallist Laurence Whiteley MBE as one of our charity ambassadors. Laurence was diagnosed with osteosarcoma at the age of 14 and underwent limb salvage surgery. He initially took up swimming as part of his rehabilitation before discovering rowing.

Laurence said: "I first heard about you through my own experience and since then you've been one of my go to charities. There are several important aspects of your work to me that stand out. The most obvious being trying to beat bone cancer. After that I would say, raising awareness about bone cancer and the different types, giving people advice and helping them through it, and fundraising."

Pete Lloyd

Ambassador

Pete is the Bone Cancer Research Trust's Patient Ambassador. His dedication to heling others knows no ends. He also has a Special Fund to support our life-saving work.

"I love being Patient Ambassador for the Bone Cancer Research Trust, introducing patients, their families and friends to the charity. Giving a patient voice to the dedicated life-saving work the charity does and getting stuck in with fundraising and support where I can."

Dr Phillip Green

Ambassador

Dr Green is the Bone Cancer Research Trust's GP Ambassador. His help, support and commitment to our awareness activities have been invaluable.

Louise Everett

Senior Regional Relationship Manager (South)

I joined Bone Cancer Research Trust in September 2021 having worked in the charity sector for the majority of my career in administrative, project management and fundraising roles. I am an experienced Community and Events Fundraiser and I am passionate about delivering amazing stewardship to our supporters whilst placing the beneficiary at the centre of everything I do. In 2008, I lost a close friend who I met at University to chondrosarcoma and it was devastating. At the time she was diagnosed, BCRT didn’t exist, I know the Information, support and dedication to research would have been a huge comfort to her and her friends and family and so I am thrilled to be part of Team Bones helping in the fight against primary bone cancer.

Professor Alison Gartland

Trustee

I am a Professor of Bone and Cancer Biology at The University of Sheffield, and have been involved in primary bone cancer research for nearly 20 years. I have witnessed the Bone Cancer Research Trust grow from a relatively unheard charity to the UK’s leading charity that it is today. I have also been involved with the Bone Cancer Research Trust activities for the past 5 years or so. In this time, I have become steadily more involved with the charity supporting awareness events from giving lab tours, to presenting at the patient conferences to attending Rock festivals! Whilst I am passionate about raising awareness of primary bone cancer wherever and whenever I can, I believe that I have a lot more skills and experiences that I can offer to the charity to help deliver the existing strategic upon objectives, as well as shaping the strategic direction for the future.

In addition to my role as a research lab head, my current position involves the education of Medical Students at The University of Sheffield. Knowledge of the current curriculum and teaching priorities for the doctors of the future is something that I can also bring to the role of Trustee, and which will help to inform strategic objectives in raising awareness of primary bone cancer amongst medical students and the doctors of the future. On a personal level, from the projects I have been involved with, the patients I have met along the way and more recently experiencing the diagnosis and treatment of a very close family friend, I feel that I have a heightened understanding of what it means to live with bone cancer for patients and their families. Over the years of being involved with the Bone Cancer Research Trust I have come to know the staff, supporters and patients – and I feel I have a connection with them that really just makes me want to give more back to this amazing charity! I feel that in being a trustee I can do just that and hopefully make a real difference to those living with and beyond primary bone cancer.

Rachel Wallace

Corporate Development Manager

It’s been wonderful watching this charity grow and develop over the last few years, since I first joined the team in 2017. I feel really privileged to have re-joined the team in 2022, during such exciting times, to build relationships with Trusts, Foundations and corporate sponsors who are so vital to our work.

Since joining the charity sector a few years ago, I’ve managed a range of partnerships both small and strategic, and hope to use this experience to help this very special community again.

Lauren Clarke

Fundraising Events Manager

Before joining the Bone Cancer Research Trust in May 2022, I worked for 7 years as an Operations Manager for a regional dance organisation. As a secondment to this role, I was also a trained Dementia Care Mapper, conducting observational research on a dance and music project which took place in care homes in Leeds. The project focused on reducing social isolation and improving wellbeing for care home residents living with dementia.

I wanted to find a role that encompassed both of these areas, utilising my operational and organisational skills whilst being able to see a direct impact on people's lives. The role of Events Manager at the Bone Cancer Research Trust does exactly that! I feel so honoured to be working alongside such a passionate, hardworking and supportive team!

Chloe Stephenson

Virtual Challenge Fundraising Officer

I joined #TeamBones in May 2022 and it has been a fantastic experience so far! I've enjoyed every second of being part of this incredible team.

With previous experience of relationship fundraising within the charity sector, I have loved working in the amazing world of virtual events seeing the fantastic work that our supporters do on the daily. I feel very proud to be working for the Bone Cancer Research Trust alongside an incredibly passionate team.

Kathleen Kane

Research & Engagement Officer

I joined the Bone Cancer Research Trust in October 2022 after working as a Research Assistant in applied health research at the University of Leeds. My PhD research explored the quality of life and supportive needs of women living with metastatic breast cancer. This gave me a great appreciation of the psychological and social impacts of cancer for patients and their support networks, as well as their vital role in shaping research through patient and public involvement.

I feel very privileged to join Team Bones and contribute towards their incredible work to support and empower the primary bone cancer community, with the shared goal of ensuring that more patients are both thriving and surviving.

Amber Lawrence

Challenge Events Fundraising Manager

I joined the Bone Cancer Research Trust in May 2022 as Challenge Events Fundraising Officer, after previous charity event experience in Australia.

I feel privileged to be a part of such a passionate charity which is dedicated to making a real difference for the bone cancer community.

I love getting to know our wonderful supporters and finding out about all the exciting challenges they are taking on. Whether that's a trek up a mountain, a marathon or even a triathlon, it's inspiring to help our incredible community of supporters reach their fundraising goals.

Charlene Young

Trustee

Charlene was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma at 27 years old in 2011. Over the last few years, she has used her lived experience and passion through her own health inequalities to inform, support and campaign for changes in cancer care. Charlene strongly believes in advocating for groups that are underrepresented and has also been featured in multiple health and awareness campaigns on TV and Billboards. She sits on multiple boards and panels for charities, hospitals, and health organisations where she consults and collaborates with researchers and medical teams to inform and improve patient care.

Charlene is also a Patient Advisory Board Member and Grant Reviewer for Osteosarcoma Now and a Patient Representative for FOSTER (Fight Osteosarcoma Through European Research) and the EEC (Euro Ewing Consortium). In 2021 she was nominated for a Patient Ambassador Award for her contribution to improving the outreach of the BCRT’s Support & Information service to all communities. In 2023 Charlene was awarded Inspirational Mother of The Year and joined the Board of Trustees for the Bone Cancer Research Trust. You can read Charlene’s story here

Mike Ashton

Trustee

Our son Frank was diagnosed with Ewing sarcoma in April 2016. Frank died in February 2019 at the age of 14. I’ve experienced at first hand the devastating consequences of this disease but also been inspired by the courage of Frank and all those individuals and their families who find themselves in similar circumstances.

Following a long career in marketing and advertising I became a trustee of BCRT to provide support to the vital effort to change the status quo in the awareness, research funding and treatment of bone cancer.

Laura Franklin

Challenge Events Fundraising Officer

Joining the team in January 2024 in the Challenge events team is my first role in the charity sector. After twelve years working as a print designer for some of the UKs biggest retailers, I had a change of career and haven’t looked back. I am not new to fundraising having taken part in the London Marathon, Great North run, Race for life and most recently a Tour Du Mont Blanc Trek.

I love working for BCRT, I have taken a passion and made it into a career, no day is the same and getting the opportunity to meet families and researchers my fundraising directly impacts is such an honour.

Jemma Barratt

Digital Communications Officer

I joined Bone Cancer Research Trust in March 2023 after working for over seven years in the education sector, growing digital communications, connecting with people and honing social media best practices for a variety of audiences.

I am inspired by the passion and dedication from the BCRT team and how the charity impacts the lives of so many. It’s incredibly rewarding to be a part of it and I love contributing to such vital work. #TeamBones all the way!

Jo Young

Data & Operations Manager

I joined the Bone Cancer Research Trust in June 2021 as Database & Supporter Care Executive to be responsible for the loading of our supporter data onto our database.

I have over 15 years’ experience working at a couple of charities, looking after the data and their databases, and after having a break from the charity sector while having my two children, I was glad to get back to what I love.

I am very proud to work for such an amazing charity, working alongside an incredibly dedicated team of people, who everyday support the primary bone cancer community and their families.

Katie Horsfall

Senior Communications and Campaigns Officer

I am an experienced content writer with a background in journalism (BA/MA/NCTJ). I joined #TeamBones in April 2022 after making the leap from the corporate world to the charity sector. This was because I wanted to use my knowledge and skills in a role that would help make a difference for others.

It is an honour to help tell the stories of our wonderful supporters and raise awareness of primary bone cancer amongst the public and in the media. I'm so lucky to be part of such a passionate, hard-working team who consistently go above and beyond to ensure that more patients are surviving and thriving beyond their diagnosis.

Ebru Sami-Taylor

Interim Director of Finance and Operations

I’ve worked within the charity sector for over 20 years in a variety of roles focused on fundraising, supporter care & data management. I joined this amazing team in October 2019 and can honestly say its so inspiring to be part of this passionate and determined team each and every day. The dedication to the fight against primary bone cancer is at the heart of everything this charity is about. I am so proud to be part of this team, making a real difference to the world #UntilTheresACure!

Will Burchell

Chief Executive Officer

After dedicating my career to the charity sector, I joined the Bone Cancer Research Trust in September 2023. I am honoured to have assumed the role of CEO, leading our dedicated and passionate staff team in the pursuit of our ambitious ten-year strategy. Witnessing the incredible efforts of #TeamBones, the progress achieved by our dedicated researchers, and the tremendous generosity of our supporters and fundraisers is truly inspiring. It is my primary goal to provide unwavering support to our charity as it forges ahead, growing stronger with each step, all the way #UntilTheresACure.

Dr Liz O'Riordan

Patron

Dr Liz O'Riordan is the Bone Cancer Research Trust's new patron. She is a best-selling author, podcast host, speaker, retired breast surgeon and breast cancer patient who fostered a close relationship with the charity after her mum was diagnosed with osteosarcoma.

"Being a patron to me means two things. One, I can raise awareness of bone cancer. I'm a surgeon and I had one lecture on it in medical school. I thought it happened to small children, but my mum proves that it can happen to anyone. If I can make one member of the public realise that a lump in their arm or leg could be cancer then I have done something amazing. If I can drive research to these rare cancers and help get them the support that I'd have as a breast cancer patient it would mean the world."

Silvia Kraft

Policy and Awareness Officer

I joined BCRT in June 2023 after completing an MA in Social and Public Policy. My background is mostly political, ranging from US national politics, campaign finance and community organizing. I love the charity sector because of its people! I’ve worked with organizations highlighting civic engagement opportunities, supporting unhoused students and now the Bone Cancer Research Trust. I’m passionate about our mission because like many others, I’ve been affected by cancer in my own family. Last year, I started as the charity’s Fundraising Assistant and I’m excited to continue working with our bone cancer community in a new capacity as the Policy and Awareness Officer.

Matthew Price

Senior Challenge Events Fundraising Manager

I have a background working for local, regional and national charities in various fundraising roles. I joined the Bone Cancer Research Trust in January 2024 and I'm incredibly grateful to be part of #TeamBones. It's fantastic working with a talented and dedicated team and I’m thoroughly enjoying getting to know our wonderful supporters who go above and beyond to raise awareness and funds.

It’s very rewarding to be part of such an inspiring organisation and I’m looking forward to seeing what we can achieve together over the coming years so we can continue to fund our vital work.

Andrew Booth

Trustee

Andrew is a seasoned technology executive with over 17 years of experience in the commercial tech industry. For the past six years, he has worked for a Financial Regulatory Technology business, currently holding the role of Vice President of Technology, with responsibility for not only leadership and traditional technology but also Information Security and Technical Governance. Andrew has been a trustee of BCRT since April 2023 and joined the board to share his many years of leadership experience and knowledge of governance and compliance to help further the charity’s goals.

Anthea Martin

Trustee

I’m incredibly proud to have joined Team Bones as a Trustee in 2023. I have personal experience of bone cancer, having been diagnosed with Ewing sarcoma when I was 14. This drove me on to pursue a career in medical research, and I completed a PhD in cancer biology. I then moved into medical and science writing, which led me to working in the charity sector. After a stint as a science communicator in a large cancer charity, I moved into fundraising. As well as the main trustee board, I sit on the Fundraising sub-committee.

My main driver for joining the trustee board is that I want more people to have the opportunities I’ve had to survive and thrive after a bone cancer diagnosis. BCRT has made such a difference for people with bone cancer already, and I’m really excited about what more we can achieve in the next few years.

Francesca Robinson

Trustee

Frankie joined as a trustee in September 2023, having known about BCRT for several years through the Al Dawson Special Fund. Cancer has been prevalent in Francesca’s life, after losing her step mum to secondary breast cancer in 2004 and has given her an understanding of how cancer can affect families.

She has over 14 years’ experience in PR and Marketing, having worked in a variety of roles both client side and in agencies. Before joining BCRT, Frankie served as a Governor on four secondary school for over eight years with a special focus on Safeguarding.

Frankie is excited to bring her experience and knowledge in PR and marketing to the charity.

David Elston

Chair of Trustees

David is a consultant corporate lawyer who has previously worked as an in-house lawyer in various areas of business including financial services, engineering ad strategy, and is currently working for a medical charity. He has extensive experience as a charity trustee in character education and in environmental research and development, and has been involved in charity governance and law. His family lost a close friend of one of his children through bone cancer some years ago and, like most of us, has known many others suffering, and often recovering, from cancer in its various forms. David feels strongly that his past experience and career can be a useful support to the trustees and greatly enjoys working with, and learning a huge amount from, the BCRT team and his fellow trustees. David and his wife live in the country in North Yorkshire and enjoy walking and exploring the Dales and moorland.

Ruby Campbell

Support Officer

I joined the Bone Cancer Research Trust in August 2024 after a period working in Study Support for the National Institute of Health Research (NIHR) within the NHS. My interest in health stems from my lived experience of chronic health conditions, as well as my politics degree where I focused on the politics of health in the UK for my dissertation. Outside of work, I volunteer for a different charity, providing emotional support on a helpline. I am looking forward to supporting and getting to know the patients and populations that are affected by primary bone cancer.

Margaret Moore OBE

Trustee

Margaret is a solicitor by profession. She practiced commercial and competition law in the City of London for over 30 years. Since her retirement in 2012, she has volunteered as a trustee of a variety of charities (including Sue Ryder, Great Britain Wheelchair Rugby and the Royal Voluntary Service) and as a school governor. She is Vice Chair of the Fundraising Regulator. She became a member of BCRT's Patient and Public Involvement Panel, and then a trustee of the Bone Cancer Research Trust following the death of her nephew, Sam, from Ewing Sarcoma in May 2020.