I am honoured and excited to be Chief Executive of Brain Tumour UK at an interesting stage in its history.
Why me? I was moved to apply for the role through the death of my son, Stephen, aged 24, to brain cancer in October 2004 after his 18-month battle. I only too well understand the impact of this devastating disease and care passionately about Brain Tumour UK's key role in supporting service provision and much needed research.
After a brief spell in industry I have spent most of my career in senior management roles in the voluntary sector, particularly with the National Trust leading on developing its large and growing volunteer workforce. I am used to working with smaller charities too. During and since my teens I've been a regular volunteer for many worthwhile causes from visiting people in hospitals and homes to Scouting, Parent Teacher Associations and Third World charities. I'm also a Trustee of two national charities and a local Council for Voluntary Service. All these have brought valuable insights into services provided by many local caring and other voluntary and community groups, and the difference their efforts can make to the quality of people's lives.
So what of the future? I see my role as helping to shape the organisation and take it where the trustees and others, especially sufferers and their carers, want it to be. There's much to learn and many people to see. I am looking forward to meeting and hearing from our many stakeholders and supporters during the months ahead, also to working with you all in helping to attract more funding for much needed research, support and development.
My name's Anne Smith and I've been the Administration Manager for Brain Tumour UK since June 2005. While I gained my initial administrative experience in the public sector, my heart lies in the voluntary sector where I have spent several years in financial and office management.
I travel to London regularly to support our Board of Trustees. I also deal with all matters financial, and develop administrative procedures to ensure we work as effectively as possible. As I'm in regular contact with volunteers and community fundraisers alike, I'm always impressed by their terrific energy and commitment, which makes it such a pleasure to work for Brain Tumour UK at such an exciting time in its development.
I love hill-walking and shall enjoy seeing some of you at one of the walking events. Knowing too well what our supporters are like, I just hope I match your enthusiasm and initiative!
I was really thrilled to get this job with Brain Tumour UK . With ten years' fundraising experience behind me, and having had a brain tumour myself in 2001, I cannot think of a better charity to work for.
My role is to help you get the very best from any event you may have planned and to research some exciting new challenges and opportunities for all. l would particuarly love to hear about any public or multi-charity events being held in your area that Brain Tumour UK could be a part of, eg driving challenges, dragon boat racing and abseils.
If you would like to start up your own support group or have fundraising ideas of your own but just don't know where to begin, please do contact me at trudy.thomas@braintumouruk.org.uk .