Our People
Prevent Breast Cancer would not be making the incredible impact it is today without a whole host of fantastic individuals.
Our Team, Trustees, Patrons, Medical Experts, Ambassadors, Partners, Volunteers, and Supporters – or as we like to call them, the Prevent Breast Cancer family.
Prevent Breast Cancer
Contact our team today
Prevent Breast Cancer
Contact our team today
Annice Mukherjee
Expert
Annice Mukherjee
Annice is a consultant endocrinologist. She is retired from the NHS, currently pursuing her academic, national advisory and committee roles. Her clinical work is currently based at Spire Manchester Hospital. Annice is a visiting professor at Coventry university. Annice is also a 15 year breast cancer survivor herself.
Annice’s commitment to addressing women’s health research, women’s health inequalities and menopause misinformation is evidenced through her leadership roles and collaborations with several national organisations, including the Society for Endocrinology, British Menopause Society, Diabetes UK, British Thyroid Foundation, NIHR James Lind Alliance, Prevent Breast Cancer, South Asian Health Foundation, Caribbean and African Health Network, Pituitary Foundation, UCL, Imperial College London & Coventry University.
Annice has a strong profile in the UK media with considerable public engagement experience. She is frequently contacted by news outlets to provide comments and interviews about significant women’s health breakthroughs and news stories. She is the author of “The Complete Guide to the Menopause”, published in 2021 with Penguin Random House, and was listed in the Financial Times Women of 2024 for her work relating to menopause.
Anthony Howell
Medical & Research Patron
Anthony Howell
Professor of Medical Oncology
Prof Tony Howell is interested, with Gareth Evans, in the prediction of breast cancer risk and the pharmacological prevention of breast cancer. With Michelle Harvie he is interested in lifestyle preventive measures. With MBC scientists, he is interested in the underlying biology of breast cancer risk and prevention and the development of new preventive agents.
Anthony Howell is Professor of Medical Oncology and, leads the Prevent Breast Cancer Research Programme at the University Hospital of South Manchester NHS Foundation Trust. He is the former Director of the Breast Cancer Now Research Unit, and the Manchester Breast Centre. He trained at Charing Cross Hospital, London and, after a period with the Medical Research Council, moved to Birmingham and then took a post to lead Breast Medical Oncology at The Christie NHS Foundation Trust in Manchester. Formerly he was Chairman of the UK Breast Trials Organisation (UKCCCR), the British Breast Group and the ATAC trial and, up until the end of 2007, was the Research & Development Director of The Christie NHS Foundation Trust and Research Director of the Greater Manchester & Cheshire Cancer Research Network. His interests are the endocrine therapy and biology of the breast and breast cancer with a particular interest in prevention. He has published over 750 papers mainly in these areas.
Ashu Gandhi
Expert
Ashu Gandhi
Mr Ashu Gandhi is a Consultant Surgeon in the Nightingale & Prevent Breast Cancer Prevention Centre. He sits on numerous national committees setting standards and agendas for breast cancer care in the UK. Find out more about their professional biography, recent publications, research interest and selected previous publications.
Bruno Simões
Expert
Bruno Simões
Dr Bruno Simões is a Senior Research Fellow in the Prevent Breast Cancer Research Unit, based at the Manchester Cancer Research Centre within the Division of Cancer Sciences at The University of Manchester. His research focuses on understanding the biological mechanisms that influence breast cancer risk, with the aim of developing more effective approaches to prevention and risk reduction.
Candy Ekanoye
Patron
Candy Ekanoye
Candy became a Prevent Breast Cancer patron alongside her daughter, the hugely talented actress and singer, Victoria Ekanoye, in February 2020.
Their family has been hugely affected by breast cancer and they are determined to join us in our mission to prevent the disease for future generations.
To find out more about them and why they are supporting Prevent Breast Cancer, you can read their blog here.
Christine Lee-Jones
Trustee
Christine Lee-Jones
Christine Lee-Jones is the former Head Mistress of Manchester High School for Girls and the areas of expertise she brings to Prevent Breast Cancer are organisational leadership, the management of change, strategic planning and fundraising. She has been a trustee of Prevent Breast Cancer since 2012 and as a trustee of two other charities she also brings to the board her experience of trust governance.Christine was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2011 following routine screening and is passionate about the work of the charity in funding research to prevent this disease.
Diana Harris
Trustee
Diana Harris
Diana Harris, mother of two lovely daughters, Maddie and Olivia, is passionate about making a difference, which is why she got involved with Prevent Breast Cancer. Diana has over 25 years Marketing and Innovation experience with well-known UK, European and Global businesses, helping their brands to grow.
Now running her own consultancy “aha innovation”, Diana wants to put her skills to good use in her role as a Prevent Breast Cancer Trustee. Appointed in April 2014, Diana aims to help the team grow the charity in terms of awareness, recognition and funds. A keen cyclist, Diana has just bought a lovely new bike in Prevent Breast Cancer colours for her own fund raising efforts with her friends and family.
Diane Modahl
Patron
Diane Modahl
A founding Patron of Prevent Breast Cancer, Diane played a key role in raising awareness of the charity. In 2004 she raised over £76,000 for Prevent Breast Cancer by appearing on ITV’s “I’m A Celebrity – Get Me Out Of Here!
Diane is one of Britain’s most successful 800m runners. She won a Gold Medal in the 1990 Commonwealth Games, and followed this up with a further Silver and Bronze Medal. She has also competed in 4 Olympic Games, 1988 in Seoul, 1992 in Barcelona, 1996 in Atlanta and 2000 in Sydney. Diane is both the former British and Commonwealth Record Holder.
Since retiring from athletics she has dedicated herself to a number of great causes, currently Lay Adviser to the Central Manchester Clinical Commissioning Group and was previously the Chief Ambassador for the National Charity – Street Games.In 2010 Diane established the Diane Modahl Sports Foundation (DMSF) a registered charity. It champions undiscovered talent and brings high quality athletics coaching and mentoring opportunities to both able-bodied and disabled young people, particularly those living in some of the poorest areas across the UK.
Eamonn O’Neal OBE
Chair
Eamonn O'neal OBE
Eamonn has a long association with the charity sector in various roles including Chair of Trustees, CEO, and Director of Strategy. He was appointed Trustee of Prevent Breast Cancer in February 2022 and remains a trustee of a number of charities.
He has been a governor at The Manchester Metropolitan University, Sale Grammar School and St Joseph’s RC Primary School, Sale.
Eamonn was formerly the managing editor of The Manchester Evening News and associated regional publications and websites. He is also an established broadcaster, having worked in television and radio for around forty years. During his time in television, he was head of regional programmes for ITV Granada, executive producer of This Morning and was honoured with the Royal Television Society’s Best Regional Presenter award. He continues to present programmes on BBC Radio Manchester.
He received an Honorary Doctor of Arts degree by The University of Bolton in 2015, for ‘outstanding services to charity and broadcasting’.
Eamonn was commissioned as a Deputy Lieutenant of Greater Manchester in 2014 and Her Majesty The Queen appointed him High Sheriff of Greater Manchester, 2020/21.
Emma R. Woodward
Expert
Dr Emma R. Woodward
Dr Emma R. Woodward is a Clinical Geneticist specialising in hereditary cancer predisposition.
Dr Woodward studied medicine at the University of Cambridge. She trained in adult medicine in London, Lausanne and N. Ireland and then completed higher specialist training in Clinical Genetics in Birmingham. During this time Dr Woodward undertook further study of familial renal cancer and her current research is aimed at improving cancer prevention and early detection strategies for families with a hereditary cancer predisposition, such as Li-Fraumeni syndrome.
Gareth Evans
Medical & Research Patron
Gareth Evans
Professor of Medical Genetics
Professor Gareth Evans is a chair of medical genetics and cancer epidemiology at the University of Manchester, with a particular interest in biomarkers of risk of developing breast cancer.
In 2019, the results of research led by Professor Gareth Evans and funded by Prevent Breast Cancer, were published in the American Journal of Human Genetics proving that SNPs are a valid predictor of the risk of developing the disease. We are now in a position where we can fairly accurately predict an individual woman’s risk of developing breast cancer in their lifetime. This has been one of Prevent Breast Cancer’s most important achievements over the last decade. Professor Evans has begun trials in Greater Manchester, which will see breast screening tailored to individual risk for the first time on the NHS, a new approach that could revolutionise breast screening across the UK. Read more about Gene Fragments an Accurate Predictor of Breast Cancer Risk.
In 2015, Prof Gareth Evans coined the term the ‘Angelina Effect’ which highlighted how the Hollywood actress’ decision to undergo a double mastectomy to remove her breasts, and later her ovaries, had driven a surge in women coming forward for genetic testing. His paper funded by Prevent Breast Cancer on the “The Angelina Effect” had the highest data analysis score for any paper ever published by the journal.
Gordon Burns
Patron
Gordon Burns
One of the best known television faces in the North West. For 15 years Gordon presented NORTH WEST TONIGHT and won 5 Royal Television Society awards for best regional presenter and the programme picked up 6 RTS awards for best regional news programme. Gordon also won the coveted BBC Ruby Award for best regional presenter in the UK.
Gordon made his name nationally by hosting ITV’s popular quiz programme THE KRYPTON FACTOR which ran at peak-time for 18 years pulling in audiences of up to 18 million people. He wrote all the scripts for the programme and devised many of the tough challenges for the contestants.He is a journalist by trade and began his career as a newspaper reporter with the Belfast Telegraph in his home city. For ten years he provided live commentary for the ITV network on the Labour, Conservative and TUC party conferences. He also produced and presented Granada Television’s regional news and political programmes for 15 years.
Gordon has been a huge supporter of Prevent Breast Cancer and as a Patron he hosted the opening of The Nightingale Centre and the Prevent Breast Cancer Research Unit- Europe’s first purpose built breast cancer prevention centre in 2007. Most recently, Gordon has hosted a selection of our Update hours which can be viewed on our YouTube Channel here.
James Harvey
Expert
Mr James Harvey
Consultant Oncoplastic Breast Surgeon, Mr James Harvey, is a reconstructive breast surgeon in the Nightingale Centre. He specialises in research into surgical outcomes from breast surgery and in the development and assessment of new devices in breast surgery. His research background makes him an ideal person to be a member of the Prevent Breast Cancer Scientific Advisory Board (SAB) as well as being a fundraiser himself for the charity. Mr Harvey helps inform the board which research projects should be funded by the charity.
Jane Humphris
Trustee
Jane Humphris
Jane joined Prevent Breast Cancer’s Board of Trustees in 2022. As an academic in the field of Social Sciences, and the Director of a UK registered and international research charity, Jane brings experience of charity management, research support, and the UK’s research environment, to support Prevent Breast Cancer.
Jane is also a BRCA1 gene carrier, so is keen to contribute to the work of Prevent breast Cancer. Preventative research and opportunities for BRCA1 carriers have been crucial for Jane’s extended family, which why she is so passionate about the work of the charity.
Margo Cornish MBE
Patron
Margo Cornish
Margo Cornish was appointed a Patron of Prevent Breast Cancer in January 2020 following her tremendous support with BreastFest and the BooBee campaign, of which she founded.
In a blog announcing Margo’s new role, she said ‘It is a great honour to have been asked to be a patron of such a wonderful charity. By becoming a patron, it will undoubtedly give me a wider platform and a louder voice in supporting the charity in it’s mission to help make breast cancer a disease of the past’. Read more about Margo’s involvement and why she is so passionate about our charity here.
Mary Wilson
Trustee & Expert
Mary Wilson
Dr Mary Wilson, Consultant Radiologist, former Director of the Greater Manchester Breast Screening Service and Prevent Breast Cancer Trustee is the Project Lead for the National Breast Imaging Academy.
Since 2018, when the National Breast Imaging Academy was established by Health Education England, Mary has led this initiative to increase the breast imaging workforce for the country. The Academy has received over £10,000,000 in revenue funding for the development and delivery of numerous new training pathways across the country.
Mary has worked as a senior consultant and leader within the NHS for many years, previously directing the largest breast service in the country based at The Nightingale Centre, leading on educational initiatives nationally, and advising on National Breast Screening standards and targets.
Morag Siller
Patron
Morag Siller
Here at Prevent Breast Cancer, we are extremely saddened to have lost our wonderful patron, Morag Siller, to the devastating disease that is breast cancer. Morag was a beautiful woman, inside and out, and you can read more about her life here.
Actress Morag Siller performed in films, in theatre, on TV and radio. Her work has included Mamma Mia and Les Miserables in the West End and she appeared in Coronation Street, Emmerdale, Ladies of Letters, Casualty and Monarch of the Glen.
In 2011 Morag was diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer. Her friend and fellow Patron, Sally Dynevor introduced her to the charity.
Paul Topham
Trustee
Paul Topham
‘In 2019 my wife of 21 years, and the mother of our 3 children, was killed aged 49 by HER-2+ breast cancer. Despite Sarah’s incredible bravery, the valiant efforts of her medical team, and the best science available to her.’
Paul joined the Prevent Breast Cancer Board as a Trustee in 2024, determined to offer the benefit of his 30+ years of business and operations management experience alongside his active advocacy and fundraising efforts to make a difference in the fight to Prevent Breast Cancer.
Pam Glass
Co-Founder & Vice President
Pam Glass
Pam is the Director of Consultantcare, a Practice Management service for the maintenance and development of medical specialists at various treatment centres in the North West.A Trustee of Prevent Breast Cancer since 1996, Pam remains incredibly committed and passionate about the charity. She played a vital role in raising £2 million towards the The Nightingale Centre, by encouraging the local community to fundraise and support our vision of Europe’s first purpose built breast cancer prevention centre.
Rob Clarke
Expert
Rob Clarke
Professor Rob Clarke is Professor of Breast Biology and the former Director of the Manchester Breast Centre, based at the University of Manchester. In 2001, Rob was appointed as a Research Fellow and lecturer in the Division of Cancer Sciences and has led the Breast Biology Lab for 25 years. His major research achievements include the first use of a proliferation biomarker in window studies of prevention agents such as tamoxifen and anti-progestins, and the discovery of signalling downstream of oestrogen and progesterone receptors regulating normal breast progenitors, tissue collagen and density.
Sacha Howell
Expert
Sacha Howell
Professor Sacha Howell is a senior lecturer and honorary consultant in medical oncology. He continues to care for women with early and late breast cancer diagnosis at The Christie NHS Foundation Trust and research novel approaches to therapy. Sacha runs clinics at The Nightingale Centre at MFT in risk prediction and advises women on breast cancer preventive strategies. His principle research focus is to better understand the mechanism of action of established risk reducing strategies such that we can develop novel approaches and personalise prevention to the individual. Sacha is also running a clinical study looking to enhance risk prediction in young women such that we can identify those who may benefit from early breast screening and breast cancer prevention.
Sally Dynevor
Patron
Sally Dynevor
Actress and Coronation Street star Sally Dynevor first heard about Prevent Breast Cancer in 1999 when she attended a fundraising event. Not long after, Sally was officially invited to become a Patron. Over the years, Sally has attended and hosted our annual ball, launched various Prevent Breast Cancer projects and Million Miles events and appeared at the opening of The Nightingale Centre in 2007. In 2009, Sally was diagnosed with breast cancer.
Sally is dedicated to Prevent Breast Cancer and works tirelessly to raise awareness of our cause. This includes trekking to Everest Base Camp with us in 2019!
Sally truly believes in our mission to prevent breast cancer for the next generation and we’re continuously honoured to have her support.
Sue Cleaver
Patron
Sue Cleaver
Struck by just how many women Sue personally knew who experienced breast cancer – many of them far younger than she would expect – she wanted to do more to help raise awareness of the many issues that can affect our risk of developing cancer.
Sandra Saleh
Trustee
Sandra Saleh
Sandra was delighted to join the Board of Trustees of PBC in 2020.
Having worked in acute healthcare for over 45 years, Sandra has enjoyed a varied career. A former intensive care nurse of many years, she gained a Masters degree in Management and held a number of senior management hospital positions.
Now retired and keen to use her skills and experience in other settings, she is still a Registered Nurse and an active patient champion.
Soujanya Gadde
Expert
Soujanya Gadde
Dr Soujanya Gadde, Consultant Breast Radiologist at The Nightingale Centre, is an expert in breast imaging with a keen interest in education and training. She is currently the lead for the National Breast Imaging Academy fellowship programme. As a woman from the UK Asian community, she has a specific interest in improving breast awareness and early diagnosis among that community.
Sue Astley
Expert
Sue Astley
Sue Astley is Professor in Intelligent Medical Imaging at the University of Manchester where her research interests encompass both risk prediction and early detection of breast cancer. She leads a group developing and evaluating novel machine learning methods for the analysis of breast images, with a particular focus on breast density and risk. She is also interested in the interaction between clinical experts and technology designed to aid image interpretation, aiming to identify the most effective implementation strategies. Her work is team-based and interdisciplinary, depending strongly on links with clinical collaborators.
Mark Sellers
Treasurer & Trustee
Mark Sellers
Mark is a highly experienced chartered accountant working across a number of organisations in the North West over the last 25 years. This has included PLC, private equity and family owned businesses largely within the retail, consumer goods, telecomms and technology sectors covering both CFO and MD positions. Mark is delighted to have been appointed as Non Exec Treasurer for Prevent given the close association the charity has with his family.
Tammy Hopla
Trustee
Tammy Hopla
Tammy was excited to join the board of trustees back in 2022 after she had been through a bilateral preventative mastectomy, hysterectomy and oophorectomy due to her high risk of familial breast cancer. She spent time engaging with many other breast cancer patients while blogging through her surgeries and has a passion to spread the word, supporting preventative causes.
She is currently CFO for an e-commerce business and has worked across a range of industries and sectors over the past 25 years including hospitality, preventative health and wellness clinics and retail, hoping to bring some of this experience to support the charity.
Trupti Kulkarni
Expert
Trupti Kulkarni
Dr Trupti Kulkarni is an expert in breast radiology and cancer diagnosis. Along with her medical work, she is heavily invested in teaching and training of medical students, doctors and other health professionals in the field of breast diseases both in the UK and internationally. She is passionate about patient interactions and in particular promoting awareness of breast health within communities both in the UK and globally.
Victoria Ekanoye
Patron
Victoria Ekanoye
The hugely talented actress and singer, Victoria Ekanoye, became a Prevent Breast Cancer patron alongside her mum, Candy, in February 2020.
Their family has been hugely affected by breast cancer and they are determined to join us in our mission to prevent the disease for future generations.
To find out more about them and why they are supporting Prevent Breast Cancer, you can read their blog here.
Support us
Breast cancer is a devastating disease, which is why we’re committed to freeing the world of it altogether. If you’d like to support the vital work that we do, there are a number of ways you can help, such as donating or fundraising. Together, we will prevent breast cancer for our future generations.
Interested in joining our team?
The Prevent Breast Cancer Team work tirelessly to raise the vital money that is needed to fund our ground-breaking research. We’re dedicated to making breast cancer a thing of the past. If you share our passion, and would like to be one of ‘our people’, take a look at our current vacancies today.
About Prevent Breast Cancer
Prevent Breast Cancer is the only UK charity entirely dedicated to the prediction and prevention of breast cancer – we’re committed to freeing the world from the disease altogether. Unlike many cancer charities, we’re focused on preventing, rather than curing. Promoting early diagnosis, screening and lifestyle changes, we believe we can stop the problem before it starts. And being situated at the only breast cancer prevention centre in the UK, we’re right at the front-line in the fight against the disease. Join us today and help us create a future free from breast cancer. If you have any questions or concerns, email us today.
