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.

A sad update on our colleague Debbie Smith

We are sad to share that our colleague Debbie Smith, Manager of The Leveson Centre, has passed away from cancer with her husband Colin and son Alex by her side.

Debbie was instrumental in making The Leveson Centre such a success in terms of its welcome and the variety of services offered, and will be sorely missed by everyone at York Against Cancer and beyond.

For those who knew Debbie, you will also know she would want the work of the Centre to continue as normal, giving people the help and support they need. For Debbie, this was her dream job, and the reputation she helped create for The Leveson Centre will firmly cement her legacy.

Work colleagues and many volunteers have already picked up that challenge and we send our heartfelt thanks to them. We are extending all our support to Debbie’s loved ones during this very difficult time.

Meet The Team

Andy Knowles

CEO

Andy is the CEO of York Against Cancer, responsible for driving the charity forwards and keeping people at the heart of what we do. Andy shares, "I’m genuinely excited and deeply honoured to be able to embed myself even more firmly in York and North Yorkshire, leading a charity that is so needed, so respected, and so close to so many people’s lives. It’s a role rooted in purpose, and I can’t wait to work with the team, supporters and volunteers to help grow the charity’s impact for our community."

Heather Atkinson

Deputy CEO

As Deputy CEO, Heather supports the CEO in ensuring the smooth running of our operations and facilities. 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."

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."

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."

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."

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.

Donna Christie

The Leveson Centre Assistant

Donna is instrumental in ensuring everyone who comes to the Centre gets the support they need. Donna says, "Before this role, I worked within the police service and later in public health, where my focus was on health, wellbeing and supporting people through what were often difficult or sensitive situations. Those experiences shaped how I work, always trying to make sure people feel supported however I can."

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.