“I am so excited about My Cancer My Choices. NHS primary cancer treatments are excellent, but resources to support the patient through the wider emotional and psychological impact of their illness are limited. This unique offering of complementary therapies delivered by expert therapists, who are also trained in understanding the cancer pathway, fills this gap and enables patients to retain control of their lives and manage their illness more effectively.”

Colin became Chair of My Cancer My Choices trustees in2015. He brings a wealth of experience gained during his long and distinguished career in business, the NHS and healthcare in general.

Starting his career as a veterinary surgeon, Colin joined Unilever where he rose to become the Deputy MD of Glaxo Animal Health Ltd.

Moving into healthcare, Colin became a non-executive director of Berkshire Health Authority, Chair of the Royal Berkshire NHS Trust, a special Trustee of Moorfields Eye Hospital, and a Vice Chair of the Association of NHS Charities.

“I was studying acupuncture when diagnosed with cancer in 2009. It was the shock, fear, isolation and uncertainty which came with the cancer diagnosis that was the most difficult to come to terms with. I had complementary therapy throughout my conventional treatment and it helped me feel I was taking back control of my health. I was making decisions to help myself and that is empowering.”

In 2014, Mandy and Liz Lee founded My Cancer My Choices with the goal of supporting people diagnosed with cancer by providing free complementary treatments and information on how to live well with cancer.

Today Mandy enjoys sharing the benefits of complementary therapy with a growing audience, and supporting our volunteer therapists through training and continuing professional development. She is passionate about providing a professional and accessible service that benefits people at a significantly difficult time.

“It is a privilege to volunteer for this local charity, whose whole ethos is to offer compassionate and practical support to people recently diagnosed with cancer.”

Ruth has a wealth of experience and knowledge in the field of healthcare, which she brings to My Cancer My Choices.

Initially qualifying as a veterinary surgeon, Ruth moved into the business world becoming Head of Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratories, before being appointed Deputy Director, Food and Farming Group for the government’s Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra).

Today, in addition to her role as a trustee for My Cancer My Choices, Ruth is a member of the British Veterinary Association’s Veterinary Policy Committee and a Non-Executive Director for the Berkshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust.

“My Cancer My Choices provides a service which gives a rare positive experience after diagnosis and during the rigours of treatment – I wanted to make sure more people experience that.”

Lynn became involved in the Charity in 2016, becoming a Trustee the following year.

Beginning her career as a nurse, Lynn moved into the independent health sector, gaining many years of strategic, business and management experience in senior roles, which she brings to My Cancer My Choices.

“After a career treating people with cancer, I was delighted to become trustee for My Cancer My Choices, which provides holistic care for individuals undergoing cancer therapy.”

An oncologist with more than 30 years of experience, Jane has been instrumental in creating guidance to improve cancer services.

Her many years of working with the Royal College of Radiologists were recognised in 2010, when the fellows elected her to be the college’s first female oncologist to become president.

She was awarded an OBE for services to radiology, and continues working in the UK and abroad to improve the organisation of cancer services.

“I believe My Cancer My Choices is an inspirational charity and I’m very fortunate to be able to work with it to help expand it to meet the needs of more patients.”

A business leader, HR professional, facilitator and executive coach, Alison brings her expertise to My Cancer My Choices to support the Trust as it grows to benefit increasing numbers of people.

Alison has seen at first-hand how a diagnosis of cancer impacts people, and the feelings of shock, isolation and loss of control many experience. She is also aware of how the provision of complementary therapies supports people in areas that standard medicine does not, and from feedback, the huge benefits.

Alison commented, “It’s wonderful to see how much people are getting from the complementary therapies, whether it’s just a moment of ‘me’ time, some relaxation, removal of some tension or specific aches and a sense of control for a few moments. Over time people return and it helps.”

“It’s an honour to be involved with such a wonderful cause that touches so many lives each year. Like most people, I know many people affected by cancer and so I want to be involved with the fantastic work of My Cancer My Choices, in order to help make difference to other people’s lives.”

Rob has spent the past 40 years in business, both in the corporate world and for the past decade as an Entrepreneur – starting and growing four successful businesses in the UK and overseas. 

As a charity worker, he has run an international food ministry feeding and clothing more than 7,000 people a year in the United States and Mexico. Nearer to home, Rob has served as a School Governor on three occasions – for nursery, primary and secondary schools’ provision in Hampshire, working closely with the local authority to help provide a first-class environment for the education and wellbeing of thousands of children. 

Combining commercial success with his passion to make a positive difference to people’s lives has been a hallmark of Rob’s life.    

“Having benefited directly from the services offered by My Cancer My Choices when I was going through chemo and radiotherapy for cancer some years ago, I know first hand how valuable their support is to people at a time where they can find themselves at their most vulnerable. It made such a difference being able to access complementary therapies alongside my regular treatment – I felt like I had more control in what was happening to me, I felt more relaxed and most importantly (to me), more resilient. If I can play even a small part in helping others connect to this amazing charity, then I will be very happy. It’s a privilege to volunteer here.”.”

Claire joined the charity at the start of 2021, as a patient representative. Her background is in helping shape customer advocacy strategy across her organisation, having worked in technology companies for over 20 years. Having seen first-hand the benefits of the charity for the patients it works with, she remains a passionate supporter and brings a combination of business, creative and marketing skills to the team.

“Looking after other people’s money with care, planning ahead and addressing risk have been at the centre of work life and carry over very well into the role of Treasurer for a charity. I’ve been an active member of Rotary for 30+ years and been involved in Fund Raising, Community Service projects, organising Conferences and picking up all kinds of unexpected skills along the way.”

Tony has spent his entire working life in financial services, starting out with Nationwide Building Society then a Founder Partner with St. James’s Place Wealth Management in 1991. Retiring from SJP in 2004, Tony set up a mortgage broking business with his wife Christine which was intended to be part time and keep him out of mischief. Tony finally retired properly in February 2021.  

“ I am grateful for the opportunity to support the innovative work of My Cancer My Choices, meeting a growing demand for complementary therapies in cancer patients”

Lindsey joined the charity in 2023, having retired as a Consultant Physician and Kidney Specialist at the Royal Berkshire Hospital. She held many medical leadership roles, eight years at board level and latterly as Executive Medical Director.

She served on several regional committees addressing wider health issues, including the Thames Valley Cancer Alliance. With a particular interest in education and research, the University of Reading awarded her an honorary doctorate in recognition of joint working.

“Cancer can affect all our lives and I know I would want the help and support of a charity such as My Cancer My Choices to help me. Being involved is an opportunity to show what can be done to support those in need”

An oncologist working at the Berkshire Cancer Centre for over eighteen years, Richard strongly believes in the value in complementary therapy in helping people to get the best possible outcomes from their treatment.

 A qualified medic and yoga teacher, there is no reason why conventional and complementary medicine cannot work well together to relieve some of the worries and strains that a diagnosis and treatment can bring.