Our Team

York Against Cancer is a small team of paid employees and a big family of volunteers, fundraisers and medical professionals. Almost everyone involved with York Against Cancer has direct experience of what having cancer can mean to a family. We are committed to helping cancer patients.

Our board members include; Ian Yeowart (Chairman), Rachel Goddard (Vice Chairman), Sarah Wearing (Treasurer), Prof Steve Leveson, Mark Sessions, Michael Stower, Patrick Shepherd, Dr Angela Darby, Dr Andy Proctor, Tarnia Hudson, Michael Sweet, Lynn Bartram and Robert Onyett.

Julie Russell - General Manager

In my role as General Manager I get out and about and meet lots of lovely people who want to raise money for York Against Cancer. It’s always a great pleasure getting to know a little more about people and why they want to support our small independent charity.

Heather Atkinson - Office & Accounts Manager

I love working for York Against Cancer. Being part of such a small, local organisation means I get to be involved in most aspects of the charity. I consider myself very privileged to enjoy such a varied and rewarding job.

Helen Watkinson - Retail Manager

I am employed to manage our shops in Huntington and at York Hospital. I have experience in both mainstream and charity retail and I'm excited at the opportunity to bring both experiences together. This role’s really exciting to me; not only have I been able to get involved with buying and working with volunteers, but I also meet the people that the work is benefiting.

Francine Clee - Public Relations & Communications Officer

I look after our website, Facebook and Twitter pages. I also write our e-newsletters and our twice-yearly print newsletters, and I’m responsible for getting stories into the local media about the great work we do and the inspiring people who make it all happen.

Nicola Doherty - Office & Volunteer Administrator

It is lovely speaking to people who use York Against Cancer’s services and the fabulous fundraisers who help to make these things happen. I have met lots of wonderful people and am really enjoying the position.

Lauren Hudson - PA to the General Manager

Lauren joined us in early 2020 and her job is to organise the working day of our general manager, Julie Russell, freeing her to focus on the future strategy of our charity.

Lauren was born in Northallerton and has lived in York all her life. She said: "It means so much to me to be able to work as part of a team to provide vital services to people who really need them. I have really enjoyed becoming a part of the York Against Cancer family, getting to know the team, the volunteers and the people we support."

Ian Stevenson - Minibus driver

I am a driver with York Against Cancer, having started in September 2010. I very much enjoy my role, not just the driving; it’s the many wonderful people I meet, and some great characters.

Neil Johnson - Minibus driver

Neil is originally from Leeds but has lived in Tadcaster for 15 years. He’s a former police armed response officer and when he retired was intending to take six months off until he spotted our ad for a minibus driver. “I thought, this suits me down to the ground,” said Neil. “I love this job. I enjoy doing work that is appreciated – I had more people saying thank-you to me in the first week here than I had in the previous 30 years!”