Our Volunteers

Goreti is a Lecturer in Medicinal Chemistry at the Institute of Cancer Therapeutics, University of Bradford, where her research focuses on developing more targeted and compassionate treatments for glioblastoma. Alongside her laboratory work, she teaches medicinal chemistry and supervises postgraduate students, helping to shape the next generation of cancer researchers.

 

Goreti joined the Yorkshire’s Brain Tumour Charity (YBTC) Leeds Patient Support Group in February 2025 and became a member of the YBTC Advisory Group the following month. Her involvement reflects a strong commitment to patient-centred research and community engagement. By listening directly to patients, families, and YBTC ambassadors, she ensures her work remains grounded in real-world needs and continues to be shaped by the voices of those most affected.

Originally from a small village in rural Portugal, Goreti enjoys long countryside walks, baking, and unwinding with a small glass of Port.

Kathryn’s professional background is in office administration and logistics, skills she now brings to her volunteering with YBTC. Having experienced brain tumours twice herself, she understands deeply the impact a diagnosis can have. Living on the Yorkshire coast, she also recognises how isolated smaller communities can feel and is passionate about ensuring that people in these areas are fully included in YBTC’s support programmes. 

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Volunteering with YBTC allows Kathryn to give back while connecting with others who understand the journey. She values being part of a community that offers empathy, practical help and hope.

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Outside of volunteering, Kathryn enjoys gardening, long walks along the beach and countryside, and getting lost in a good book.

Sheena works as an Usher at Leeds Crown Court and has spent much of her career in education and other helping roles. She was first introduced to Yorkshire’s Brain Tumour Charity (YBTC) through her son-in-law, David Grant-Roberts, who has been CEO since 2023. Over time, Sheena has met the YBTC team and many of the people we support at community events, gaining first-hand insight into the charity’s impact across Yorkshire.

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Inspired by the difference YBTC makes, Sheena has begun volunteering her time to help at support events and wellbeing walks. She has also enrolled in the HEE Peer Support training programme to build her skills and contribute even more to the charity’s work. Her warm, calm nature and genuine care for others make her a valued addition to our volunteer community.

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Outside of volunteering, Sheena enjoys reading, spending time with her grandchildren and indulging her love of musical theatre.

Charlotte began supporting YBTC after her family experienced first-hand how challenging a brain tumour diagnosis can be. She says that with 15 more families beginning this journey each week in Yorkshire alone, helping to make that journey better for all is incredibly important to her. With a background in service design & innovation, she was particularly inspired by how a small & agile charity could simultaneously offer vital local support, whilst funding research with global impact.

 

Charlotte advocates for volunteering being not only impactful, but also fun and rewarding. She notes meeting brilliant people, exploring the region, and applying her professional skills to new challenges as highlights. In 2023, Charlotte lead YBTC’s entry to Leeds Building Society’s Dragons’ Den–style competition. Working with her colleague Charlotte, the team won £10,000 to support YBTC’s financial support service and developed a partnership with AND Digital. She describes this project as the proudest moment of her career so far.

 

Outside of volunteering and design work, she can usually be found looking for inspiration or absorbed in a good book.

 

Hear more about Charlotte's volunteering experience here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yAJeyt-x_2M

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Lara has spent her career working in secondary education as a SENDCO, where she has been dedicated to supporting young people with additional needs and championing inclusive practice. Her long-standing passion for helping others naturally aligns with the values of Yorkshire’s Brain Tumour Charity (YBTC).

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Lara learned more about YBTC’s work through her brother, David Grant-Roberts, and quickly developed a strong interest in the charity’s mission. After meeting members of the team and seeing the difference YBTC makes to families across Yorkshire, she chose to get involved herself. Lara has completed the HEE Peer Support training and now volunteers her time at community events and activities, bringing warmth, empathy and a calm, supportive presence to the people we serve.

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Outside of volunteering, Lara enjoys playing cricket, walking her dogs and taking part in acting classes — passions that reflect her energy, creativity and love of staying active.​

With a professional background in first aid and health & safety training, as well as experience as a medic first responder, I’m passionate about empowering others with the knowledge and confidence to keep people safe.

I’m deeply inspired by the Yorkshire Brain Tumour Charity and the incredible work they do. Their support, positivity, and commitment to life-changing research make a real difference to individuals and families navigating a brain tumour diagnosis. It’s an honour to support a charity that is filled with such amazing people and invaluable resources.

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In my spare time, you’ll usually find me outdoors in nature, spending quality time with my family, or embracing my favourite new role, being a YaiYai (grandma) to my lovely five-month-old granddaughter.

I was first introduced to YBTC in 2025 when I reached out for help after being diagnosed with a brain tumour.  The support groups helped me so much by connecting with people in similar circumstances,  people that understood and that I could relate to. In return, I wanted to help more people by volunteering and giving back so I helped set up a new support group in Halifax.

 

After working in finance all my life mentoring and empowering people I expanded my skills by volunteering 3 times a year which I had a real passion for as I found we could all really make a difference . Then I decided life was for living and took early retirement. With more time to volunteer I enrolled in the Peer Support training to build on my skills and to help support more people.

 

Outside of volunteering, I love to travel, cook and learn new hobbies.