Meet the Team

Andy Lewis

Chairman

My wife Angela and I first became aware of the Bone Cancer Research Trust’s work during my son Alex’s battle with Osteosarcoma. He had a late diagnosis, and as a result the tumour had metastasised to his lungs. He endured four years of operations, chemotherapy, radiology, and alternative therapy with amazing bravery and positivity.

The BBC made an inspirational film about our son 'Alex: A Life Fast Forward'. It aimed to increase awareness of primary bone cancer in the hope that others would seek early diagnosis, and that outcomes might be improved. The film also showed that you can deal with misfortune and still enjoy your life. Alex sadly died in 2011, 5 days after his marriage to Ali and his 22nd birthday. Essentially, we want to pursue his wishes through the Bone Cancer Research Trust and are committed to finding a cure for a disease which affects people in such a cruel way.

Roger Paul

Deputy Chairman

My daughter Claudia lost her battle with a Ewing sarcoma in June 2006, shortly after her 17th Birthday. I became involved with the Bone Cancer Research Trust after Claudia found details of a Golf Day, run by the Adam Dealey Foundation in support of primary bone cancer. After playing in the Golf Day to help raise funds and awareness, I volunteered to become a Trustee. My wife Gail and I have since attended Bone Cancer Research Trust conferences and supported the charity’s vital work wherever we can. I duly became a Trustee in late 2008.

Kate Connor

Community Fundraising Manager

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

Communications Manager

With over 10 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 work.

Zoe Davison

Head of Research and Information

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.

Amy Bowers

Challenge Events Fundraising Manager

I joined Team Bones in February 2017 with a background in marketing and events. My real passion lies in events and fundraising and having volunteered with a number of charities for several years I was keen to make the move from the commercial world to the third sector. I am excited by the prospect of working for such a fantastic charity and hope to make significant contributions to aid the growth and success of BCRT.

Christine Appleyard

Finance Officer

I joined the Bone Cancer Research Trust in January 2019 after a period working in the commercial side of medical companies. My background is in charities and education, so I was really pleased to be working in a charity again, an environment that was so familiar, it felt like coming home. The team are such a hard-working, friendly bunch; they made me feel so welcome.

Having not had any experience of bone cancer personally I was very interested to learn all about the charity and the wonderful things they achieve in fighting this very cruel disease. The research which is funded by the charity is fascinating and I have had many ‘wow - how did someone think of that’ moments. I am looking forward to seeing the funding numbers getting bigger as the charity continues to grow.

Andrew Ryland

Office Administrator

I joined the Bone Cancer Research Trust in the summer of 2018. I’m here to help my colleagues to shine by backing them up with good administration. During the previous 32 years I was in pastoral ministry, so I’ve had the privilege of walking with people through cancer treatment, and sometimes death. I also served for eight years as an elected Public Governor for an NHS Acute Hospital Foundation Trust, including two years as Lead Governor.

Team Bones is a great team to be part of because everyone pulls together with a positive and collaborative approach. I love working here.

The stories of courage and hope that I hear from our supporters are always moving. I am proud to work for a charity that produces such good quality and accessible information as well as funding research. The promotion of best practice in medical research through its Independent Scientific Advisory Panel is also heart-warming.

Dr Victoria Vinader

Research Manager

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 as research manager, and I hope to make a tangible difference to the lives of PBC patients and their families”.

Clare Chillingworth

Trusts & Foundations Fundraising Manager

I started working at the Bone Cancer Research Trust in June 2019 after fundraising roles in the education, heritage and health sectors. I love working with such an amazing and passionate team and to feel like I am contributing in a small way to the impact BCRT has on funding research into primary bone cancer.

Meeting patients and their families, and hearing their stories, inspires me everyday to do my best to help BCRT find a cure – I know that if anyone can, #TeamBones can.

Joanne Wright

Support Executive

I joined the team at the Bone Cancer Research Trust in October 2019. Having originally trained and worked as solicitor I knew when returning to work after several years as a stay at home Mum that I wanted a job in the charity sector, where I felt I could make a real difference. I am really enjoying working alongside Louise in developing and nurturing the Support and Information Service with all the challenges and rewards that brings with it.

I feel privileged to be working 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

Community and Special Funds Fundraising Officer

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!

Vina Hajari

Support Manager

I have a Degree in Radiotherapy and Oncology and worked as a Therapy Radiographer for 13 years at Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham and then St James’ University Hospital for 9 years.

During my career as a Therapy Radiographer I have come across many patients undergoing radiotherapy treatment for Bone Cancer.

I joined BCRT in September 2021. I wanted to move forward in my career by continuing to support patients and families on a more personal level. I love interacting with patients, the weekly Virtual Cuppa is the highlight of my week. Watching these group of patients come together, share their experiences and support one another has been a very heart-warming experience and I feel very privileged that myself and Jo can be apart their journey.

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...

Sarah Dawson

Trustee

My involvement with the Bone Cancer Research Trust stems from my son Alexander being diagnosed with osteosarcoma in December 2005. Al embraced the treatment offered to him and with a very positive outlook went on his own cancer journey. Sadly the treatment and drugs available did not cure him and his journey ended in November 2007. He was 16 years old.

I have committed myself to support those who work to establish how the disease begins, why specific individuals develop the disease, promote earlier diagnosis and through research develop more robust and successful treatments. I do not want others in the future to suffer as Al did, or endure the loss we suffer as a family.

Sarah is the Bone Cancer Research Trust's lead trustee for equality, diversity and inclusion.

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"

Arlene Eves

Trustee

Having personal experience of chondrosarcoma, I was keen to support BCRT and therefore became a trustee of BCRT in 2018. I hope that, together with my personal experience and my professional experience as a lawyer, it will allow me to contribute as a trustee to the inspirational work which BCRT is performing.

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.

Harriet Arnold

Trusts & Foundations Fundraising Officer

I joined Team Bones as Trusts and Foundations Fundraising Officer in December 2019. Having volunteered for charities in the past, I am excited to start my career in the charity sector at the Bone Cancer Research Trust, using my love of writing to help raise funds for vital research into primary bone cancer.

I enjoy working with such a dedicated and passionate team and learning all about the fascinating research projects BCRT funds and the incredible support offered to anyone affected by primary bone cancer.

Louise Everett

Community & Special Funds Fundraising Officer (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.

Florence Moffat

Virtual Challenges Fundraising Officer

I joined Team Bones in March 2021 and I am thrilled to be a part of such a wonderful team. With experience in event fundraising and volunteer management, I am so excited to get stuck into the world of virtual events. I am motivated and inspired everyday by our incredible fundraisers and supporters; whose dedication and commitment to raising funds for bone cancer patients and their loved ones is admirable. I am excited for what’s to come and hope to contribute to the success of BCRT.

Holly Radbourne

Virtual Challenges Fundraising Officer

I joined #TeamBones in March 2021, with my background being community fundraising, and only recently venturing into events. I have a passion in events and fundraising and have had the experience in planning, organising, and managing small events, and the new world of virtual challenges. Ever since I graduated university, I have worked with charities and I love it.

I am excited about working for such a fantastic charity and hope to bring my passion, creativity, and experience to the work we do here at BCRT.

Tobi Firth

Senior Research and Advocacy Officer

After completing my undergraduate degree, I pursued my fascination with the molecular biology of cancer by studying for a master’s degree in Translational Oncology. Due to the pandemic my lab project was cancelled, and I instead gained skills in bioinformatics and data analysis which I am thrilled to bring to my role as part of Team Bones.

I am proud to be working alongside such a talented team and excited to begin working on our next research project!

Dr Darrell Green

Trustee

Darrell’s best friend passed away from primary bone cancer when they were teenagers. Darrell is now a Lecturer and Researcher at Norwich Medical School, University of East Anglia. Darrell trained in molecular genetics at Addenbrooke’s Hospital in Cambridge before obtaining his PhD in molecular biology at UEA. His research combines genetics, cell and molecular biology with bioinformatics to study gene silencing in primary bone cancer. Darrell sits on the editorial board of scientific journals and on grant review panels for other cancer charities. He is a member of Norwich Cancer Research Network. He has appeared several times on TV and Radio and has presented his research across the UK and in the USA. In 2019, he was listed as a Universities UK Top 100 People “The Nation’s Lifesavers”. In 2020, Darrell joined the Board of Trustees for Bone Cancer Research Trust. Darrell brings an unprecedented level of knowledge and expertise to BCRT.

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 as a Trustee 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.

Damian Harper

Trustee

Damian was diagnosed with osteosarcoma in 1986 at just 17 years old. He has had a successful career, initially as a biomedical scientist, working in a pathology laboratory, then moving into project and programme management. Damian hopes to can bring his attitude of never giving up to the Bone Cancer Research Trust as well as a great deal of knowledge and experience. He will be a great asset to the team. If you would like to read more about Damian’s story, please click here: http://ow.ly/3Rob50yidTX

Mat Cottle-Shaw

Chief Executive Officer

With 15 years’ experience working in the charity sector, Mat headed the Fundraising & Communications Teams at the Bone Cancer Research Trust since 2015 before being appointed CEO in 2021.

I lost my dad to primary bone cancer when I was just 10 years old. I know all too well the vital role that the Bone Cancer Research Trust plays for patients right now and in the future. My determination for the charity to succeed comes from my own experiences and those of all our patients and supporters. With the continued support of our community, we will leave no stone unturned to find a cure for this currently under-funded and under-profiled disease. The entire Bone Cancer Research Trust team works tirelessly every day for every patient facing bone cancer.

Christine Taylor

Head of Finance

I joined Team Bones in October 2019 having previously worked for a residential special school charity for 16 years. I love working in the charitable sector and I am really looking forward to contributing to the fantastic work that BCRT does, making a real difference to the lives of people with bone cancers and their families, and funding ground breaking research into finding a cure.

Outside of work I enjoy walking and skiing, and I sing in a local community choir. I also volunteer as treasurer for a small grant making charity based in York.

James Maffin

Trustee

James is graduate qualified Finance professional with 25 years business experience gained across a career with several international FMCG companies. James’ career has covered all aspects of both commercial and operational finance, corporate governance, reporting and control systems.

James was diagnosed with osteosarcoma as a 15-year-old. Consequently, over a protracted 3 year period he suffered the very worst the disease has to offer. Medically multiple operations trialling reconstructive surgery, several rounds of chemotherapy, and amputation as well as personally loss of school peer group and witnessing wider family distress caused.

“It is a source of personal pride, and a privilege, to be involved supporting the BCRT charity and its work enabling both research to be undertaken and support given to those this terrible illness still impacts 30 years after my own journey”