Some personal news to start 2011

It has been a while since I wrote anything – there has almost been too much happening and my brain couldn’t deal with prioritisation and then there were all those holidays....

I start 2011 with some personal news: you may know that I am involved with one of the Livery Companies of the City of London – the Worshipful Company of Needlemakers. All being well I hope to be Master next year. This is hardly a full time job but past Masters have made it clear that combining the role with full-time, full-on work is pretty tough and you end up having to turn down invitations you would have liked to accept.

I will be the first woman to hold this position in the Company’s 355 year history so it will be a very exciting time. It will also be a very busy year with many social and some ceremonial engagements. I have decided that it is not possible to take on this position and to work full time at the same time - to do so would be unfair to both organisations and to my family! I will be retiring from Breast Cancer Campaign during the summer of 2011.

I am very proud that with the support of my colleagues, the scientists we fund, and all the supporters and volunteers who all make up Breast Cancer Campaign, we have built a great organisation which is funding world class innovative research. We have an experienced and dedicated staff, a committed trustee board, a prestigious Scientific Advisory Board and exciting developments in the coming year.

The Trustee Board has started the process for the recruitment of a new Chief Executive and the post will be advertised at the end of this week.

Campaign will have, as always, my full commitment and energies until my successor is on board. I continue to be passionate about what we do and why we do it and look forward to seeing the charity not only flourish in a new chapter of its life but our research make a positive impact on the lives of those affected by breast cancer.

One of the advantages of having been here as long as I have is that I can recall and reflect on the progress that has been made in scientific research and the diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer.
You may see a bit more about the Needlemakers over the coming months. If the Livery Companies are a mystery to you – have a look at the website: The Needlemakers Company.