Meet the Team

Kate Connor

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 Marianne Miles

Research & Information Officer

I joined the Bone Cancer Research Trust in November 2025, after an almost 10-year break from the world of medical research charities, during which time I have been a teaching assistant, supporting young children with their learning. This allowed me to be there for my growing family whilst continuing to work. However, whilst I loved my time in the classroom with the children, my background is in medical research where I gained a PhD in developing bioartificial support systems for patients with liver disease. That experience made me realise that I had a passion for working alongside patients and the public to prioritise research of importance and need, as well as for sharing research information to ensure it reaches everyone who would like to know more about what’s going on in the world of medical research.

I made the move from the laboratory to the Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Society, where I managed the research grants funding programme, crucially, involving people affected by MS to ensure we funded research prioritised by them in partnership with researchers, clinicians and healthcare professionals. During my time with the MS Society, the experience of bringing people affected personally by MS together with those working to improve quality of life and find treatments was a real privilege. I took this experience with me to my next role, working for the UK Clinical Research Network, where again I managed the involvement of patients and members of the public in prioritising research funds and ideas, across a range of disease areas, including stroke, diabetes, medicines for children, primary care and cancer. I am now back where I belong, working for BCRT as their Research & Information Officer, where I hope I can put my experience and passion to good use to help ensure the best research is funded and communicated, to improve lives for people living primary bone cancer.

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

Relationship 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

Relationship Manager

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!

Louise Everett

Senior Relationship Manager

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.

Amber Lawrence

Relationship 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.

Laura Franklin

Relationship 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.

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.

Ebru Sami-Taylor

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.

Matthew Wiltshire

Senior Relationship 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.

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.

Ruby Campbell

Support Service Development Manager

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.

Jenny Braybrook

Finance Officer

I joined Bone Cancer Research Trust in August 2024 having previously worked as a finance officer in both the education and commercial sectors for over 10 years.

This has been my first venture into the charity sector, and I have found #TeamBones to be an incredibly welcoming place to work with every colleague, trustee, supporter, and researcher passionate about the one common goal #UntilTheresACure.

I am very proud to tell anyone and everyone about the incredible work BCRT do in the field of research and the amazing supporters we have!

I even completed the London Landmarks Half Marathon in April 2025!

Sarah Yates

Executive Assistant

I love working in the charity sector and have held two previous roles with charities prior to joining BCRT. Working alongside passionate, kind and dedicated colleagues and contributing to making a difference, is what draws me to work in this sector. I started with the Bone Cancer Research Trust in January 2024 and I am the Executive Assistant, which means my role is very varied and each day is different. I support our Senior Leadership Team, trustees, and the wider charity, enabling them to spend as much time as possible on our achieving our mission.

Jane Bambridge

Database Officer

Having worked with data for over 20 years in public, private and charity sectors, I was delighted to join the Bone Cancer Research Trust in 2024. In my role I ensure supporter data is added to our CRM, enabling analysis, segmentation and reporting – an important bedrock for decision making.

I wanted to be part of BCRT as I was drawn by the team’s passion, enthusiasm and dedication to make a difference for people affected by primary bone cancer. Since being here I’ve been blown away by what it means to work for #Team Bones.

Abby Jones

Fundraising Assistant

I joined BCRT in August 2024 following a career as a secondary school teacher. My role has changed a lot over the last year, and it has been lovely working across our fundraising team, helping with challenge events and communicating with so many of our amazing supporters. It is a privilege to have become part of such a wonderful charity.

Dr Luke Farrow

Involvement Officer

I first came into contact with BCRT when they funded my PhD studentship at UCL - working on developing a new way to study osteosarcoma, which can better recreate the cancer's "habitat" in the lab. I presented my work at the Bone Cancer Conference in 2022 and loved explaining the research to the patients and the public. I came to appreciate the important role that people with lived experience can play driving and shaping research, and I was hooked! Immediately after the completion of my PhD in 2026 I began my new job as Involvement officer, and I haven't looked back!