Our Trustees

I'm Simon and I've been familiar with the work of Yorkshire’s Brain Tumour Charity since it was established in 2002 and in May 2024 I became the charity’s Chair. I have worked as a Consultant Neurosurgeon for many years in Leeds, Cambridge and Newcastle, with a particular emphasis on the management of people with brain tumours. I have experience working as a Trustee and Chair across several diverse charities.

In my spare time I play trombone in the Summerbridge and Dacre Band and enjoy walking in the dales.

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I’m Ruth, I joined YBTC in 2017 at the suggestion of my neurosurgeon, following early retirement. After a career of  almost 30 years in clinical research, it felt like time to “give back” and helping others less fortunate than myself with brain tumours seemed like an excellent opportunity to help make a difference in addition to keeping my mind active.

As well as being a YBTC trustee I sit on an ethics committee and helped co-found a community sponsorship group within my local area. Four-year old twin granddaughters also help to keep me on my toes.

I’m definitely not a fan of gyms, preferring  walking and gardening to keep fit. I enjoy visiting galleries and museums; “dabbling’ in crafts and am a member of my choirs pub quiz team.

Bio coming soon...

I started my career by spending my student years in London writing electronic music, trying to get into the music production industry and selling HiFi. I moved into eCommerce shortly after and in 2003 decided to move to Yorkshire where I spent the next 14 years working for the holy trinity of Bradford-based mail order businesses (Redcats, Damart and FGH), followed by a brief foray into the luxury sector as Head of eCommerce for cashmere brand, N.Peal. In 2017 I set up pjm:digital - an eCommerce focused micro agency. Based in Bradford, we work with a wide range of clients across the UK and Europe.

I got involved with YBTC in 2021 following some personal experiences within my family and friends directly associated with brain tumours. The appeal of the charity to me has always been the mix of research and support. I’ve seen that small things can make a massive difference. I believe that if everyone within the charity, Yorkshire, the UK and the world can play their small part, then we can, one day, find that cure.

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Away from the office, I’ve recently begun a quest to bring the digital talent of Bradford together through Bradford Digital. and I also run my own music fashion website whilst still producing music in my home studio. I’ve done a lot of fundraising over the years through occasional marathon (although these days, half marathons).

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I’m Laura, and I’ve worked for the NHS since 2001, in various leadership and management roles. I now lead the organisation of Primary Care Doncaster, which is a federation of the city’s GP practices. It’s great being involved in providing healthcare, being able to see the impact of the work you do, and how it makes a difference to patients. What I really love about my current role though, is being able to create a culture of teamwork, empowerment, and at the same time, enjoyment; you spend a lot of your life at work, so you need to have fun while you’re there!

When I’m not at work, various hobbies occupy my time; I like running, fitness, going to the theatre and music concerts, and generally socialising with family and friends. Spending time with my family is the most important thing to me really; and I know how precious family is, having lost my grandad, dad and auntie to brain tumours. That’s why I’ve joined YBTC, it’s a cause very close to my heart, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to be involved with a charity that makes such a difference to families like mine. I find myself with a bit more time on my hands these days, as my now-teenage daughter prefers being with her friends as opposed to me (!), so joining the team at YBTC is an exciting new venture for me in 2024, and I’m really looking forward to contributing to its onward growth and success.

Bio coming soon...

I am Anke and I am group leader in brain tumour research at the University of Huddersfield as well as a Senior Lecturer in Biomedicine. My research focusses on the improvement of diagnostics and treatment options for brain tumour patients.

I enjoy public engagement and as part of my outreach activities and supporting local charities I formed a close link with the YBTC. I am very impressed by their drive and dedication to make a difference and would like to be directly involved with YBTC in my role as a trustee. 

In my spare time I enjoy live concerts and spending time with my family, friends and cats.

Bio coming soon...

I'm Chris, I have been involved with YBTC for several years now, initially volunteering as an Ambassador, and more recently as a Trustee. Having had a wide varied career in education, change management , and leadership development, I hope that my experience and the work that I now do will help make a difference to anyone who has felt the impact of a brain tumour diagnosis.

As a Father of two wonderful children (now adults) and Grandfather to three beautiful grandchildren, we were all devastated when my wife Jayne, Mum and Grandmum, and a beloved friend to many many people, was lost to a grade 4 Glioblastoma in 2021. I'm determined to do everything I can to help reduce the impact a brain tumour diagnosis, and the eventual outcomes of that diagnosis, has on both the sufferer and their family and friends - until a cure can be found. The work our charity does is invaluable and in many ways unique. Please do not hesitate to reach out to me if you think I might be able to help you, or your family and friends in any way at all.

When I'm not  involved in the charity's work I can be found watching sport, playing very poor golf, or travelling.

Bio coming soon...

I’m Gary, and a qualified banker with 25 years’ experience in banking and financial services leading a Head Office department handling complaints, fraud, IT service management and business service desk function.

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I’ve also worked as a Relationship Director in the Health sector supporting the regulatory set up of the NHS West Yorkshire Commissioning Support Unit, worked on the COVID 19 app during the pandemic and held a senior management role with the UK Health Security Agency.   I’m a former Chair of School Governors and trustee of another local charity.  Having lost family and friends to cancer I’m delighted to have the opportunity to assist YBTC with their work supporting patients and research into kinder treatment options.

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I enjoy playing tennis, hockey and going to the gym.

I'm Liz, I qualified as a Registered Nurse in 1995 and have over 30 years’ experience within a wide range of health and social care settings including clinical, government policy, public health, operations and strategy in the UK and overseas. In recent years I re-trained as an executive function and neuro inclusive coach and set up my own coaching and consultancy business supporting individuals and families to thrive. Seeking a different pace of life, I also re-located to Bridlington in East Yorkshire.

I was drawn to the trustee role with the Yorkshire Brain Tumour Charity following the personal experience of a close friend; I had been seeking a trustee role for some time, wanting to utilise my skills and experience in a different way and the YBTC role really spoke to me in terms of the both the support provided to individuals and families, and the investment in research. I am proud to be able to play a small part in the work the charity does.

Outside of work I am enjoying exploring the beautiful east coast and beyond, along with attempting a variety of crafty activities with varying degrees of success, and avidly following F1.