PAC

Why Cancer Counselling

Board of Trustees

We are governed by a Board of Trustees made up of individuals with a diverse range of experiences. The Board of Trustees set the charity's strategic aims and monitor the delivery of our objectives.

If you're interested in becoming a trustee for WHY, please get in touch. Please see the trustee role descriptions below for more information about what our trustees do.

Role description - WHY trustee

Role description - Chair of Trustees

Role description - Treasurer

Anne Montague
Anne Montague
Chair
I first became involved with WHY (then known as PAC- Positive Action on Cancer) nearly 20 years ago when I joined the charity as a counsellor. At that time we were only able to offer a handful of sessions to clients in Frome.

Over the next 12 years, when I worked for WHY as a counsellor, clinical manager and bid writer, the service expanded to offer many more sessions in a range of venues across three counties and to include support for children and young people as well as adults. At the same time I also worked as a freelance health journalist and editor and had my own private counselling practice.

I now work as the Psychological Lead at Dorothy House Hospice. I’m delighted that I have been able to keep supporting WHY through my work on the Board of Trustees. I believe passionately in the value of WHY’s work. After many years spent working with people affected by cancer I have seen at first hand the profound impact of WHY’s support on people’s emotional health, their ability to cope with their illness and to move forward with their lives.

Wayne de Leeuw
Wayne de Leeuw
Vice Chair
Building on over 30 years working in the NHS and third sector, including 27 years as a registered general nurse, I have been the Chief Executive at Dorothy House Hospice Care since 2019.

Passionate about sustainable, individualised and holistic care, I am driven by the ambition that every person regardless of their diagnosis, complexity of need or social circumstances should have equal access to personalised care.

To achieve this, working closely with neighbouring hospice colleagues and other provider and commissioner leads, I have championed for collaboration and partnership working including across the emerging Integrated Care Systems, knowing that truly outstanding holistic care is only achieved when people (professionals and communities) work together to understand and co-develop services to meet the needs of the local population.

WHY provides inspirational care and support and does so much in helping people to retain and remain resilient so it is a privilege that I can play my small part in this important and vital charity.

Rachel Notley
Rachel Notley
Treasurer
I grew up in Somerset and volunteering within the local community has always been a strong part of our family ethos.

Professionally, I have been practising as a qualified chartered accountant for the last 10 years, and currently work as a Finance Director for a global company. I spend my professional career in a corporate environment, and so it has become increasingly important to me to use those skills to support those around me.

Personally, and like so many others, I was introduced to WHY when my partner was diagnosed with cancer. Having benefited from the services provided by WHY I am delighted to start work with the team here.

Darren Irwin
Darren Irwin
Trustee
I’ve spent the majority of my life based in Somerset and extremely proud to be part of such a warm community. My career to date has been largely within the third sector, starting my charity experience in India for a number of years before returning back to the UK, where I have been fortunate to hold a variety of senior roles in the commercial world, employment reform, veterinary care and health and social care.

Having lost loved ones to cancer, and on becoming increasingly aware of the complex challenges that exist in our different communities which can lead to inequalities and sometimes poor cancer outcomes, I strongly believe in supporting those that take on this heavy task and challenge. It is an honour to be able to support such a fantastic charity and team of exceptionally talented and committed people who provide help and hope to our communities.

Tessa Warry
Tessa Warry
Trustee
I moved to Frome with my family in 2019, having previously spent over 15 years living in the Bristol and Bath areas. As a qualified social worker my career has always centred around supporting children and young people, starting out in Local Authority childcare teams and then fostering support, before joining the charity where I am now the Director of Programmes and Development. The charity uses outdoor adventure as a platform to support vulnerable young people from the Swindon and Wiltshire areas grow in resilience, build confidence and fulfil their potential.

I was so relieved to find the support of WHY when my own family was affected by cancer, and I believe their work is essential for people at such a vulnerable and difficult time. I believe supporting local organisations is so important, and I’m delighted to be able to get involved in supporting WHY as a trustee.

Tony de Jaeger
Tony de Jaeger
Trustee
Bio to follow

Ben Price
Ben Price
Trustee
Bio to follow

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