Meet Cobalt's new Head of Fundraising

Could you tell us a little bit about you?

I moved to Gloucestershire just over a year ago with my family, having lived in Norfolk for the past 10 years. I have 2 dogs, Margo the Airedale and Ralf the Terrier X, but I previously owned alpacas! I was brought up on a farm so I can drive a tractor and I am used to helping out at lambing time. I am still getting to know the area so I welcome ideas of places to explore.

What other roles have you had?

I have worked in the voluntary sector for over 20 years. Most recently I was Head of Fundraising and Marketing at Longfield Community Hospice in Gloucestershire, I have previous experience of fundraising at Cancer Research UK, Macmillan, Barnardo’s, and the Norfolk & Norwich Hospitals Charity, as well as working at the Chartered Institute of Fundraising.

I hold an MBA from Imperial College and I recently completed the International Advanced Diploma in Fundraising from the Chartered Institute of Fundraising. I am also the Vice-Chair of the CIOF Health Special Interest Group.

What attracted you to Cobalt?

The idea of helping a medical charity raise funds that enable access to specialist equipment which helps faster diagnosis (along with reducing stress and anxiety) for waiting patients and the opportunity to support more people who can benefit from the research which is funded.

Both areas have a massive impact on cancer and dementia which affects so many people’s lives. I find you need to believe in the cause which you are asking people to support, and this is a cause I believe in.

What are you looking forward to the most about working at Cobalt?

Getting to know the amazing people who work and volunteer for the charity, understanding the impact of what we do, hearing from patients we help and engaging with the external community who support us.

Are there any exciting projects you are already working on?

It is so exciting to join as we celebrate our 60th Anniversary year and I am looking forward to the Gala on the 5th of July, bringing the fun of the 60’s back to Cheltenham and to Cobalt! The fundraising and marketing teams have been working so hard on this event so it will be lovely to see the end result.

Do you have any ideas of future plans for fundraising yet?

Working with the team to put in a plan for the remainder of this year and how we can deliver the income needed to keep making a difference to patients now and in the future.