2026 Board of Trustees Election results are in!

Election Statement

As a previous BSH Trustee, and a member of the Society since 1992, I firmly believe in the pivotal role that the Society plays for the specialty. During my involvement with the Society, I have witnessed it develop into an important representative organisation for all haematologists and allied professionals in the UK with input into education, clinical practice (including its internationally-recognised guidelines), and research support. In addition, the Society has a significant outward facing role, representing the needs of its members in key areas of governance, strategic negotiations with policy makers and central to specialty NICE representation, training and international haematology liaison.

I have extensive clinical and academic leadership and have had the honor to have held key society roles including the President of the BSBMT, Chair of the UK Myeloma Society and Chair of the (formerly NCRI) UK Blood Cancer Research Network. I created the UK Myeloma Research Alliance as an inclusive, collegiate vehicle for the delivery of patient-focussed strategic clinical trials. I am the co-director of Leeds Cancer Research generating an inclusive research community of all professionals involved in cancer research in Leeds.

I would very much like to be able to contribute to the on-going development of the Society for the benefit of our membership and Haematology as a speciality. I have always firmly believed in collaborative working and utilising the skills and ideas of all who are interested in the Society’s success, to ensure it's longevity and central role in Haematology. This inclusivity approach will only strengthen the society and the specialty in the UK.

Election Statement

I would like to apply for a second term as secretary for the British Society of Haematology following on from a first term (2023-). I have had previous roles at BSH including as BSH Scientific Secretary for 4 years (2017-2021), BSH Trustee (2015-2018) and on the BSH Guidelines committee over many years. 

I have had a number of roles on national bodies and charities. I am on the executive committee of the UK Myeloma Society and a Trustee for Cure Leukaemia. I am vice-chair of Myeloma UK Research Advisory Group and support Myeloma UK patient educational events, advocacy and sit on their early diagnosis and MGUS working groups. I am a Clinical Academic with 50% academic time during which time research, clinical trials and education are the key focuses for me. 

I was previously a Trustee for Waldenstrom’s Macroglobulinaemia UK (2013-2022) and clinical lead for the NICE Myeloma guideline published in 2016. 

I am keen to support Haematology through BSH and feel I have valuable long term knowledge and a wealth of experience of the organisation, the current NHS environment and UK haematology. I have witnessed incredible change in all aspects of haematology in the UK over several decades and aware of major challenges facing us in the NHS and for academics. I feel passionately about working to improve all aspects of the roles of BSH in education (including the ASM), research support, trainee support, governance, guidelines and advocacy.

I am keen to broaden the BSH support for all healthcare professionals in Haematology especially nurses, pharmacist, NHS scientists and career academics who I think are underrepresented and build on our strategy.

Election Statement

I am a haematologist at Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital. My BSH experience includes Chair of the Paediatric SIG and Chair of external affairs. My main achievement was an expansion of paediatric haematology trainee numbers, through close working with GMC and NHS Education England. I am on the national clinical reference group (CRG) for Specialist blood products, Haemoglobinopathy and the national advisor for paediatric haematology services in the women and child CRG. 

My initial research was in gene therapy and early phase leukaemia clinical trials. My current research includes chief investigator for the paediatric ITP registry and the Eltrombopag, Romiplostim, Avatrombopag and Rilzabrutinib trials. I have worked with the Haematology SAC to support the new curriculum. I also work with ESH on the Paediatric Haematology WP and am a regular lecturer on various topics. Additional work has included the “Lighting the flame" meeting for medical students and early residents. 

Last summer I was diagnosed with stage 4 renal cancer and became a patient on intensive immunotherapy and participant in a vaccine clinical trial. I am indebted to the work of the oncology team at Christie hospital and the support from my colleagues. I am back in work with a fresh perspective on work/life balance and the importance of clinical trials. 

If elected, I will continue support and protect research across haematology. There is a need to promote haematology in universities and in early training. I recognise the importance of AI to reduce workload and provide relevant research assistance. I also support the ongoing review of workforce and I feel that the wide and diverse role of the haematologist is not currently recognised. I believe I have the appropriate experience and demonstrated prior successes to be a valuable member of the board. Again, thank you for considering my application.

Election Statement

I have been a consultant haematologist in Newcastle since 2005, mainly working with patients with AML, MDS and lymphoma. In addition to clinical work, I have been PI on a number of AML and supportive care studies. I have been a member of the BSH haemato-oncology guidelines group and chaired that group 2014-2017. 

In Newcastle, I spent 3 years as clinical director for haematology, oncology and palliative care, moving into an Associate Medical Director position in 2021. I am a Trust appraiser and cancer lead. I am the Regional Pathway lead for haematology in the North East with a current focus on regional workforce planning. I am a Trustee of the North East blood cancer charity, Bright Red, and have been co-chair of the Health Professional Advisory Panel of Blood Cancer UK since 2025. 

Our practice is changing rapidly and it’s fantastic that we can offer more to many more patients than was previously possible. With the increasing complexity and cost of treatment, strategic planning is critical to ensure the right skillmix, support for and geographical distribution of colleagues to best serve our patients. It is critical that all aspects of haematology, including liaison work, are recognised and planned for. Whilst cost pressures are a daily part of life in the NHS, it is important that we lobby for appropriate resource for haematology whilst being ready to transform and ensure that available resource is used to greatest effect for our patients. 

The BSH is in a unique position, with multidisciplinary contributions, to lobby nationally for haematology and most importantly for our patients. If elected, I hope I could engage with the haematology community and reflect your views to support the work of the BSH. Thank you for considering me as a BSH Ordinary Trustee.