Meet the Team

Meet the friendly team at York Against Cancer who are here to support you! Find our office staff working hard managing our support services, meeting with fundraisers and much more as they keep the charity on track and moving forward. Our retail team run our two shops at York Community Stadium and York Hospital, stocking them with beautiful new pieces and managing our remarkable volunteers. In the Leveson Centre, you will find our two Centre Managers who are always here to meet with anyone looking for a cuppa and a chat and oversee all of our Centre services. Our wonderful minibus drivers are here to get you to your radiotherapy appointments in Leeds.

Meet The Team

Julie Russell >

Chief Executive Officer

Julie is responsible for the strategic management of the charity and driving York Against Cancer forward. She has been in post since 2006 and says she considers herself lucky to have such a worthwhile and rewarding job.

Heather Atkinson >

Deputy CEO and Head of Finance

As Deputy CEO and Head of Finance, Heather keeps our house in order. She says: "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."

Nicola Doherty >

Head of Office Administration & Volunteer Co-ordinator

Head of Office Administration & Volunteer Co-ordinator Nicola oversees the day to day operations of York Against Cancer – we’d be lost without her! She says: “It is lovely speaking to people who use York Against Cancer’s services and the fabulous fundraisers who help to make these things happen."

Alice Freeman-Cuerden >

Marketing Officer

Alice joined us as a marketing assistant in February 2023, she says, "The York Against Cancer team and volunteers are always welcoming and kind. It is wonderful to be a part of an organisation that exists to support people."

Charlotte Wainwright >

External Relations Manager

Charlotte is responsible for our income generation and marketing activities. She says: "I am honoured to have joined a charity that is working to transform the lives of those affected by cancer."

Claire Robinson >

Community Fundraiser

As our Community Fundraiser, Claire is instrumental in assisting our supporters and organising events to help raise funds for the charity. Claire says, "I feel very privileged to be part of a wonderful team, helping to support the local community who are affected by cancer. Its very exciting organising local events - seeing people having fun and the smiles on their faces while raising money for York Against Cancer is incredibly rewarding."

Jill Hutchinson >

Head of Retail

Jill is the retail manager for our two shops at York Community Stadium and York Hospital. She spends most of her days working alongside volunteers, managing stock and looking for what to purchase next. Jill says, "It's wonderful getting to pick out what will go on our shop shelves and know that every sale we make goes towards the services we offer at York Against Cancer."

Sam Watson >

Retail Assistant

Sam is our Retail Assistant at our two shops in York Stadium and York Hospital. Sam says, "I really enjoy working alongside our volunteers in both of our York Against Cancer gift shops, knowing that all we do is helping to raise funds for such a wonderful organisation."

Debbie Smith >

The Leveson Centre Manager

Debbie is the Manager of The Leveson Centre, bringing with her a wealth of experience in nursing and cancer care. Debbie’s expertise and unwavering commitment ensures she always provides a friendly, supportive approach to cancer patients and their loved ones.

Victoria Edwards >

The Leveson Centre Assistant Manager

Assistant Manager Victoria comes from a background of not-for-profit work in a healthcare organisation. Working closely with Debbie, Victoria plays a pivotal role in ensuring the smooth daily operations of the centre.

Marie Atherton >

The Leveson Centre Assistant

Marie is here to support anyone who enters The Leveson Centre with a listening ear and access to our support services. Marie says, "I am delighted to join the fabulous team here at The Leveson Centre. It is a very special place and I am looking forward to helping them continue to offer a warm welcome and support for everyone impacted by cancer."

Neil Johnson >

Minibus Driver

Neil is a former police armed response officer. When he retired, he was intending to take six months off, until he spotted our ad for a minibus driver. He said: “I love this job. I had more people saying thanks in the first week here than I had had in the previous 30 years!”

Garry Stanton >

Minibus Driver

Garry has had a varied career including 23 years in the police force, starting his working life in the Royal Navy as a missileman on board the HMS Brilliant. Garry added, "I really enjoy meeting new people and giving a little bit back to the community which I find very rewarding’"

If you would like to speak to a member of the team, call us on 01904 764466 or email office@yorkagainstcancer.org.uk.