Meet our Board of Trustees

“We all want to see an end to cancer, and being a Curestarter is the very first step on that journey.” 

David played rugby for Scotland (1986-1992), captaining the team to a Grand Slam victory over England in 1990, receiving an OBE in 1993.

He worked at United Distillers and Diageo in global operations, then joined Whitehead Mann focusing on leadership development.

In 2007, David started his coaching business, co-founding the School for CEOs in 2011. He has extensive Board experience, including Sport Scotland and HBOS foundation, and has commentated on four Rugby World Cups for major broadcasting networks.

“The research Worldwide Cancer Research invests in will hopefully bring about the end to the hurt and turmoil for cancer sufferers and their families. I lost my grandad when I was 12 to lung cancer, and this impact has been with me for life. No children should lose their relatives like this.”  

Sarah is an experienced commercial leader, mentor and executive coach. Her corporate career included 20 years at Director level in the UK and Europe with leading FMCG brands such as Coca-Cola, Müller and Warburtons. Her commercial experience spans sales, brand marketing, category development and shopper marketing.

“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. 

“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 Director of Development and Alumni Relations at the University of Birmingham, leading the Birmingham In Action campaign that aims to raise £600m and harness 1.25m volunteer hours, both in support of the University’s strategic goals. 

"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 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.  

“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. 

Julia is an experienced leader, advisor, mentor and Board director. She provides strategic advice for business start-ups, and her executive experience includes stints at Guardian News & Media, Getty Images, and ITV.  

“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 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.
 

“Like so many of us, my family has been touched by cancer. Being a Trustee at Worldwide Cancer Research has provided an invaluable insight into the vital role played by early research in providing new cancer-beating treatments, and I am privileged to be part of such a wonderful charity.” 
 
For 25 years, Beverley has been instrumental in helping charities raise public funds via emerging technologies. An expert in digital fundraising solutions, she specialises in large-scale public fundraising using the latest mobile payments solutions.