Meet our Board of Trustees

“I wanted to be part of Worldwide Cancer Research because I was impressed by the ambition of the whole team, from the way they raise funds, through to how they look after their governance, but most importantly how they make sure there is maximum spend on the best and brightest research. They are genuinely working to cure cancer.”  

Sue is a partner at Morton Fraser MacRoberts and works with individuals, families and trusts, including charitable trusts. She is an expert in charity governance and sits as a Trustee for several grant-making charities.  

"I wanted to be part of this unique and wonderful charity which seeks out and funds the brilliant research done by a brilliant few, to continue the journey to finding cures for all cancers. I am continuously humbled by those who strive for this, and as part of the Board if I can give something small back as a Curestarter its wonderful."  

Jane is an experienced HR and change professional having worked across diverse industries in Chief People Officer roles, including HEINEKEN UK and its Global Business at HQ in Amsterdam; Sainsburys; Lloyds Banking Group and currently at Flutter Entertainment. 

“I have been fortunate to be involved in oncology research for much of my professional career – at Worldwide Cancer Research we are playing a small part in bringing hope to the patients, their families and loved ones, who are waiting for skilled researchers to cure cancer.”
 
Chris has over 20 years of experience as a finance leader in life sciences, with extensive cross border M&A, turnaround, IPO, and operational experience, specifically within oncology focused contract research organisations and biotech. He has a track record of building expert teams and companies both in the US and the UK.
 

“Worldwide Cancer Research has a unique international role in supporting early phase cancer research. I believe this is essential for the development of novel therapies to treat this disease.” 

Currently Vice-dean Utrecht University Life Sciences and Scientific Director of the Regenerative Medicine Center Utrecht, Paul’s research is driven by fundamental and clinical questions in cancer and immunology. 

"Having worked for many years in biotech, supporting innovative oncology solutions, I've seen how important it is to fund transformative discovery science. Cancer affects us all in one way or another, and I am passionate about helping find new ways to cure it, exploring bold ideas with real potential to change patient outcomes."

Rachel is a communications and brand leader who has spent over 25 years in the healthcare, biotech and pharmaceutical industries - leading multi-disciplinary teams and major brand transformations, and overseeing strategic messaging, stakeholder engagement, fundraising communications, IPO preparation, and reputation and crisis management. 

"Cancer has touched so many people's lives, mine included, so I'm privileged to become part of a charity that funds discovery research, a critical point to explore future breakthroughs. Worldwide Cancer Research is special in the way it brings the Curestarter community together to create a future where no life is cut short by cancer."

Cait is Director and Head of Healthcare at award-winning B Corp communications consultancy Stand. With extensive experience working at world-leading agencies, and both local and global clients, her knowledge of behaviour change principles underpins her expertise in insight, culture, communications, marketing, and income generation strategy and modelling.

"I was inspired by Worldwide Cancer Research’s nearly 50-year legacy of backing the boldest, most innovative ideas. It is a privilege to support the scientists asking the big, challenging questions that can lead to pioneering breakthroughs. By backing this discovery research today, we are starting the cures of the future."

Nico is a senior business leader and General Manager with global experience growing world-leading business units at Google and L’Oréal. His career has focused on scaling businesses internationally, leading high-performing cross-functional teams and translating complex innovation into effective growth strategies.

"Cancer has shaped both my early scientific career and my personal life. I was drawn to Worldwide Cancer Research because of its bold commitment to discovery science - backing ideas that open entirely new directions. Being a Curestarter means championing ambitious research today that could transform patients' futures tomorrow."

Executive Director of Research & Partnerships at Alzheimer’s Research UK, Susan oversees a £55m research portfolio and leads major international funding initiatives and partnerships. With a PhD in cancer cell biology, she brings nearly 20 years’ experience in the medical research charity sector, spanning strategy, governance and research funding.

“Like too many of us, I have experience of a loved one being treated for cancer (successfully in our case), and my job is to raise charitable funds – so the chance to use my skills to help the charity to recruit as many new Curestarters as possible, to reduce the suffering of other families, is something I couldn’t turn down.”

Gavin is Chief Executive of Children with Cancer UK, a role he has held since June 2025. With a strong track record in advancement, fundraising, and stakeholder engagement, he brings extensive experience in driving philanthropic growth and building impactful partnerships. 

“In my day job, I treat women with ovarian cancer. To me, being a Curestarter means supporting research that might identify new treatments and potential cures for this disease.”  

Iain McNeish is Professor of Oncology at Imperial College London. His research and clinical work are focused on ovarian cancer, particularly trying to understand why it recurs and becomes resistant to treatment. He is also passionate about developing the next generation of cancer researchers. 

“We desperately need more effective therapies to prevent the spread of cancer throughout the body. I believe that I can use my knowledge of cancer biology to help Worldwide Cancer Research to identify and fund the most promising science and the brightest ideas to find these therapies”

Jim Norman is a professor of cancer biology at the CRUK Scotland Institute in Glasgow, where he leads projects aiming to improve our understanding of how cancers spread around the body. Recently his team became the first to describe the mechanisms that link energy metabolism to the invasive spread of breast cancer. 

“I believe that bold scientific research holds the key to finding new ways to prevent, treat and eventually stop cancer in its tracks. Being a Curestarter is such a wonderful way of being able to help.” 

Jane is an experienced digital, data-driven business and marketing professional. She has held various executive positions and served as Board Director of a global information business, and as Non-Executive Director of a data start-up. With over 30 years’ experience, her commercial background is in the consumer and B2B subscriptions information sector, helping organisations build sustainable recurring revenues.