Meet the Team

Kate Connor

Interim Director of Fundraising

As its first-ever volunteer, the Bone Cancer Research Trust has been a part of my life since 2005. I cannot believe how far the charity has come since then, and it's just fantastic to see it go from strength to strength. I became the charity's first member of staff in 2007 and my role has evolved a great deal since then.

Initially my role was very varied from managing the website, to supporting our fundraisers, organising conferences, co-ordinating the research grants and overseeing the campaign for NICE to approve the new osteosarcoma drug Mepact! These days I am very much focused on fundraising which is my absolute passion!

Deborah Flyde

Head of Marketing and Communications

With over 15 years' experience in marketing roles, developing and delivering communications strategies nationally and internationally, I am delighted to be part of the team at the Bone Cancer Research Trust. I am passionate and dedicated about raising awareness of primary bone cancer and to represent our researchers, supporters, and fundraisers alongside inspiring more people to support our vital work.

Dr Zoe Davison

Director of Research and Information & Deputy CEO

After doing my PhD and a short spell doing breast cancer research, which I loved, I soon realised that a career in a research laboratory was not for me. I then got involved in the world of biobanking at Newcastle University and haven’t looked back. I was involved in both local cancer biobank projects and also with the CCLG national biobank.

I really enjoy engaging with the clinical and research community, and with the public and patients to facilitate the collection of tissue samples for use in research.

Dr Victoria Vinader

Head of Research

Following a PhD in her native Spain, Viqui moved to the USA, where she spent 2 years as a postdoctoral research fellow at the Johns Hopkins University, specialising on Organic and Medicinal Chemistry. Upon her return to the UK, she joined the Pharmaceutical Industry (GSK), where she worked for 14 years on a wide variety of therapeutic areas (cardiovascular, respiratory, pain) and finally moving to Academia, where during the last 12 years, she has specialised on Cancer Research. Over the years, she has trained numerous undergraduate and postgraduate students to carry on the fight against this cruel disease.

Viqui brings to BCRT her experience, but more importantly her enthusiasm for research.

“I am really excited to Join Team Bones as research manager, and I hope to make a tangible difference to the lives of PBC patients and their families”.

Joanne Wright

Trusts & Foundations Fundraising Officer

I originally joined the Support & Information Team at the Bone Cancer Research Trust in October 2019 as a Support & Information Officer. I thoroughly enjoyed my time in that team and am so proud of helping to grow the support & information service to where it is today, supporting more primary bone patients and their families than ever.

In August 2024, I made a sideways move to the Trusts & Foundations Team to work as a Trusts & Foundations Fundraising Officer. I am looking forward to the challenges the new role will bring and to raising funds to enable the Bone Cancer Research Trust to continue its vital work.

It is a privilege to work in such a dynamic charity and to be able to make a difference to the lives of primary bone cancer patients and their families.

Siobhan Cullen

Regional Relationship Manager (Midlands, Wales and Ireland)

I joined Bone Cancer Research Trust in October 2020, following a career break to travel across South and Central America (luckily pre-COVID!) Before setting off on my travels, I worked for many years in community fundraising and community development for a large national charity. I’m excited to have the opportunity to make a difference to the lives of bone cancer patients and their families and feel very proud to work alongside such an incredibly dedicated and motivated team. #TeamBones!

Bridget Bones

Team Mascot

Our very own Bridget Bones travels everywhere with us. You can never beat her on style and she is always ready to support our amazing fundraisers! Keep your eyes peeled for Bridget’s next appearance!

Louise Everett

Senior Regional Relationship Manager (South)

I joined Bone Cancer Research Trust in September 2021 having worked in the charity sector for the majority of my career in administrative, project management and fundraising roles. I am an experienced Community and Events Fundraiser and I am passionate about delivering amazing stewardship to our supporters whilst placing the beneficiary at the centre of everything I do. In 2008, I lost a close friend who I met at University to chondrosarcoma and it was devastating. At the time she was diagnosed, BCRT didn’t exist, I know the Information, support and dedication to research would have been a huge comfort to her and her friends and family and so I am thrilled to be part of Team Bones helping in the fight against primary bone cancer.

Rachel Wallace

Corporate Development Manager

It’s been wonderful watching this charity grow and develop over the last few years, since I first joined the team in 2017. I feel really privileged to have re-joined the team in 2022, during such exciting times, to build relationships with Trusts, Foundations and corporate sponsors who are so vital to our work.

Since joining the charity sector a few years ago, I’ve managed a range of partnerships both small and strategic, and hope to use this experience to help this very special community again.

Lauren Clarke

Fundraising Events Manager

Before joining the Bone Cancer Research Trust in May 2022, I worked for 7 years as an Operations Manager for a regional dance organisation. As a secondment to this role, I was also a trained Dementia Care Mapper, conducting observational research on a dance and music project which took place in care homes in Leeds. The project focused on reducing social isolation and improving wellbeing for care home residents living with dementia.

I wanted to find a role that encompassed both of these areas, utilising my operational and organisational skills whilst being able to see a direct impact on people's lives. The role of Events Manager at the Bone Cancer Research Trust does exactly that! I feel so honoured to be working alongside such a passionate, hardworking and supportive team!

Chloe Stephenson

Virtual Challenge Fundraising Officer

I joined #TeamBones in May 2022 and it has been a fantastic experience so far! I've enjoyed every second of being part of this incredible team.

With previous experience of relationship fundraising within the charity sector, I have loved working in the amazing world of virtual events seeing the fantastic work that our supporters do on the daily. I feel very proud to be working for the Bone Cancer Research Trust alongside an incredibly passionate team.

Kathleen Kane

Research & Engagement Officer

I joined the Bone Cancer Research Trust in October 2022 after working as a Research Assistant in applied health research at the University of Leeds. My PhD research explored the quality of life and supportive needs of women living with metastatic breast cancer. This gave me a great appreciation of the psychological and social impacts of cancer for patients and their support networks, as well as their vital role in shaping research through patient and public involvement.

I feel very privileged to join Team Bones and contribute towards their incredible work to support and empower the primary bone cancer community, with the shared goal of ensuring that more patients are both thriving and surviving.

Amber Lawrence

Challenge Events Fundraising Manager

I joined the Bone Cancer Research Trust in May 2022 as Challenge Events Fundraising Officer, after previous charity event experience in Australia.

I feel privileged to be a part of such a passionate charity which is dedicated to making a real difference for the bone cancer community.

I love getting to know our wonderful supporters and finding out about all the exciting challenges they are taking on. Whether that's a trek up a mountain, a marathon or even a triathlon, it's inspiring to help our incredible community of supporters reach their fundraising goals.

Laura Franklin

Challenge Events Fundraising Officer

Joining the team in January 2024 in the Challenge events team is my first role in the charity sector. After twelve years working as a print designer for some of the UKs biggest retailers, I had a change of career and haven’t looked back. I am not new to fundraising having taken part in the London Marathon, Great North run, Race for life and most recently a Tour Du Mont Blanc Trek.

I love working for BCRT, I have taken a passion and made it into a career, no day is the same and getting the opportunity to meet families and researchers my fundraising directly impacts is such an honour.

Jemma Barratt

Digital Communications Officer

I joined Bone Cancer Research Trust in March 2023 after working for over seven years in the education sector, growing digital communications, connecting with people and honing social media best practices for a variety of audiences.

I am inspired by the passion and dedication from the BCRT team and how the charity impacts the lives of so many. It’s incredibly rewarding to be a part of it and I love contributing to such vital work. #TeamBones all the way!

Jo Young

Data & Operations Manager

I joined the Bone Cancer Research Trust in June 2021 as Database & Supporter Care Executive to be responsible for the loading of our supporter data onto our database.

I have over 15 years’ experience working at a couple of charities, looking after the data and their databases, and after having a break from the charity sector while having my two children, I was glad to get back to what I love.

I am very proud to work for such an amazing charity, working alongside an incredibly dedicated team of people, who everyday support the primary bone cancer community and their families.

Katie Horsfall

Senior Communications and Campaigns Officer

I am an experienced content writer with a background in journalism (BA/MA/NCTJ). I joined #TeamBones in April 2022 after making the leap from the corporate world to the charity sector. This was because I wanted to use my knowledge and skills in a role that would help make a difference for others.

It is an honour to help tell the stories of our wonderful supporters and raise awareness of primary bone cancer amongst the public and in the media. I'm so lucky to be part of such a passionate, hard-working team who consistently go above and beyond to ensure that more patients are surviving and thriving beyond their diagnosis.

Matt Thompson

Graphic Designer

I joined Bone Cancer Research Trust in September 2022 after spending many years working as a designer both in agency and in client-side roles. I have been a Senior Designer / Head of Creative for the majority of my career and am loving the opportunity to use these skills to get the message out about primary bone cancer.

I am very proud to work alongside an incredibly dedicated group of people, who everyday support the primary bone cancer community and their families.

Ebru Sami-Taylor

Interim Director of Finance and Operations

I’ve worked within the charity sector for over 20 years in a variety of roles focused on fundraising, supporter care & data management. I joined this amazing team in October 2019 and can honestly say its so inspiring to be part of this passionate and determined team each and every day. The dedication to the fight against primary bone cancer is at the heart of everything this charity is about. I am so proud to be part of this team, making a real difference to the world #UntilTheresACure!

Kathryn Williams

Trusts & Foundations Fundraising Manager

I work in the Trusts & Foundations team, and I love sharing BCRT’s amazing work with potential funders, so that we can raise the money needed to fund innovative research and support our inspiring community of patients and their families. I’ve been involved in fundraising for as long as I can remember, starting out as a volunteer. In that time, I’ve raised money for all sorts of things including projects and capital cost and now I’m really enjoying learning all about medical research. BCRT is a very special place to work and always puts primary bone cancer patients at the centre of everything it does. I’m lucky enough to live is a very pretty part of the world so when I’m not fundraising, I love to spend time outdoors or in the garden.

Will Burchell

Chief Executive Officer

After dedicating my career to the charity sector, I joined the Bone Cancer Research Trust in September 2023. I am honoured to have assumed the role of CEO, leading our dedicated and passionate staff team in the pursuit of our ambitious ten-year strategy. Witnessing the incredible efforts of #TeamBones, the progress achieved by our dedicated researchers, and the tremendous generosity of our supporters and fundraisers is truly inspiring. It is my primary goal to provide unwavering support to our charity as it forges ahead, growing stronger with each step, all the way #UntilTheresACure.

Anais Wyder

Communications Intern

Prior to joining the Bone Cancer Research Trust as a Communications Intern, Anaïs worked as an editorial intern for a wellness magazine. In 2023, she graduated from the University of York with a bachelor’s degree in English and Related Literature. She feels incredibly motivated and grateful to be joining such a passionate team that is determined to spread awareness about bone cancer, find kinder treatments for patients and provide support to those who most need it

Silvia Kraft

Policy and Awareness Officer

I joined BCRT in June 2023 after completing an MA in Social and Public Policy. My background is mostly political, ranging from US national politics, campaign finance and community organizing. I love the charity sector because of its people! I’ve worked with organizations highlighting civic engagement opportunities, supporting unhoused students and now the Bone Cancer Research Trust. I’m passionate about our mission because like many others, I’ve been affected by cancer in my own family. Last year, I started as the charity’s Fundraising Assistant and I’m excited to continue working with our bone cancer community in a new capacity as the Policy and Awareness Officer.

Matthew Price

Senior Challenge Events Fundraising Manager

I have a background working for local, regional and national charities in various fundraising roles. I joined the Bone Cancer Research Trust in January 2024 and I'm incredibly grateful to be part of #TeamBones. It's fantastic working with a talented and dedicated team and I’m thoroughly enjoying getting to know our wonderful supporters who go above and beyond to raise awareness and funds.

It’s very rewarding to be part of such an inspiring organisation and I’m looking forward to seeing what we can achieve together over the coming years so we can continue to fund our vital work.

Ruby Campbell

Support Officer

I joined the Bone Cancer Research Trust in August 2024 after a period working in Study Support for the National Institute of Health Research (NIHR) within the NHS. My interest in health stems from my lived experience of chronic health conditions, as well as my politics degree where I focused on the politics of health in the UK for my dissertation. Outside of work, I volunteer for a different charity, providing emotional support on a helpline. I am looking forward to supporting and getting to know the patients and populations that are affected by primary bone cancer.