Home > About Us > Governance

Governance

Our vision

To enable Norfolk & Waveney to be a centre of excellence for the provision of cancer services, and to contribute to the international reputation for excellence in cancer research locally.

A photograph taken behind of two people talking.

Our mission

We are dedicated to the fight against cancer and its effect on the individual and the family. To this end we aim to promote partnerships between the statutory, private and voluntary sectors, which together will develop first class cancer research and services. We will become the go to organisation for the people of Norfolk & Waveney when cancer support and information services are required.

A close up of a pamphlet, reading Talking to us about cancer.

Our Trustees

Big C’s Trustees are all volunteers who share the ultimate responsibility for governing Big C and directing how it is managed and run. To support the Trustees in this role Big C has a large and professional staff team which means that our Trustees are not asked to be involved at an operational level in a hands-on way however they do meet monthly as a Board to reflect on performance, make key decisions, and plan for the future.

The Board has two Committees, one which has specific oversight of the charity’s grant giving and another which is dedicated to governance and staffing matters. The skills mix and experience of the Board of Trustees is regularly reviewed and when gaps are identified we recruit new Trustees in a variety of ways and whether it’s by open advertisement or as a result of an expression of interest we aim to be as transparent as possible. Big C’s governance framework is fully compliant with the Charity Governance Code for larger charities.

Close up of Big C's Chair of Trustees, Dylan Edwards

Prof. Dylan Edwards

Chair of the Board of Trustees and member of the Grants Committee and Research Advisory Panel

Close up of Big C's Chair of Trustees, Dylan Edwards
Prof. Dylan Edwards

Chair of the Board of Trustees and member of the Grants Committee and Research Advisory Panel

I’ve been Chair of the Board since 2022, and a Trustee since 2017. I enjoy helping an important charity that affects lots of us in Norfolk.

I was the Big C Chair of Cancer Studies in 1995 at UEA so I have a long history of association with Big C.

I have a long experience of cancer research, over 4 decades, so I understand many aspects. I also bring my experience with the Executive Team at UEA along with partnerships with Norwich Research Park and beyond.

Email: dylan.edwards@uea.ac.uk

Vice Chair, Paige Gouldthorpe

Paige Gouldthorpe

Vice Chair of the Board of Trustees and member of the Performance and Remuneration committee

Vice Chair, Paige Gouldthorpe
Paige Gouldthorpe

Vice Chair of the Board of Trustees and member of the Performance and Remuneration committee

I became a Trustee in 2020, as David Moar one of the founders of the charity is a great friend and inspiration of mine.  Cancer has taken the lives of loved ones close to me and this is the chance to fight back.

I love meeting the employees and volunteers who make the charity so successful and spread the Board’s gratitude to them for all their hard work.  I love watching the charity thrive and change people lives and being part of that is such a blessing.

I bring a new perspective to the Board and a revitalised energy.  I have a legal background where I represent lots of vulnerable and terminal clients so being able to understand their experiences and trying to implement change for future generations is what I wish to achieve.  I am here to watch the charity grow and be part of its success. Long live Big C !

Prof. Kristian Bowles MBE

Prof. Kristian Bowles MBE

Trustee and member of the Research Investment Working Group and Grants Committee

Prof. Kristian Bowles MBE
Prof. Kristian Bowles MBE

Trustee and member of the Research Investment Working Group and Grants Committee

As a cancer specialist at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital and a cancer researcher at the University, I have long recognised that Big C is a foundational piece of our local cancer care community. Not only does it help my patients and their carers every week providing essential advice & support, Big C through its research funding also contributes to the international process of making cancer care and treatment better in the future for all of us. Because of all the important things Big C does, it is a privilege to be able to support the charity in this essential work. 

Big C is a charity on whom my patients, their carers, families and loved ones depend. I was honoured to be asked to help in 2019, and am delighted I am able to contribute to the charities continued growth and success.

I have been a cancer specialist here in Norwich since 2006. I also am part of a team that undertakes cancer research in the Hospital and at the University. From these experiences, I’d like to think I can represent the voices of my patients, their families my colleagues at the Hospital and the scientists at the University in the discussions that the Charity leadership has and the work the charity undertakes. It is clear to me that everyone at Big C wants to achieve excellence in everything they do, and I hope I can help the team achieve that.

Email:kristian.bowles@nnuh.nhs.uk

Close up of Trustee Helen Cordingley

Helen Cordingley

Trustee

Close up of Trustee Helen Cordingley
Helen Cordingley

Trustee

Unfortunately there are not many people who have not been affected by cancer in some way. I was and continue to be very keen to support this superb charity, which eases some of the burden for patients and their families as I know, first hand, how valuable that support is.

As a private client solicitor ‘by day’, my expertise and advice is often focused on legacy support and management, which is a crucial income stream for Big C.

I have been a Trustee since 2018, and enjoy sitting on the Board with such impressive co-Trustees and Executive Team in support of this wonderful charity.

Close up of Trustee Simon Crocker

Simon Crocker

Trustee and member of the Grants, and Performance and Remuneration Committees

Close up of Trustee Simon Crocker
Simon Crocker

Trustee and member of the Grants, and Performance and Remuneration Committees

I joined in the early days of Big C as a medical advisor being a gynaecology oncology cancer surgeon and having chaired the formation of MDTs across Norfolk and Waveney from the early 1990s. I continued this clinical work until my retirement in 1987 though I continued to have an honorary teaching contract.

Using my clinical background, I can provide a clinical and or research perspective to Big C issues.

As a Trustee, I most enjoy the satisfaction of seeing great progress in the care of those needing cancer support.

A close up of Trustee and member of the Research Investment Group, Dr Noreen Cushen-Brewster

Dr Noreen Cushen-Brewster

Trustee and member of the Research Investment Group

A close up of Trustee and member of the Research Investment Group, Dr Noreen Cushen-Brewster
Dr Noreen Cushen-Brewster

Trustee and member of the Research Investment Group

I became a Trustee of Big C in 2021, as my clinical background is in cancer care and some of my relatives used the services provide by the charity whilst undergoing cancer treatment, which they found very helpful.

Therefore, I hoped by becoming a Trustee it would give me an opportunity to use my knowledge and skills to support future developments of the charity as well as raise awareness of what services it provides.

 It’s great to hear about all the work the organisation is involved in and to meet some of the staff delivering the services. It also offers individual Trustees to use their specialised knowledge and experience to support or gently challenge future developments and innovation of the Big C.  

Having worked clinically and specialising in cancer care enables me to understand the epidemiology of cancer, the challenges and complexities that staff face on a day-to-day basis delivering their services.

I have many years’ experience of developing and conducting research as well as working at Board level as an Executive Director and in Non-Executive Director roles in other organisations which I believe enhances my role as a Trustee of Big C.  

Headshot of Beth Gammage, Big C Trustee

Beth Gammage

Trustee

Headshot of Beth Gammage, Big C Trustee
Beth Gammage

Trustee

I joined the Board of Trustees in January 2024.

Cancer and improving the support, information and care that we can give to those both living with cancer, and those around them, as well as research into the prevention, causes and treatment of cancer are issues that have been close to my heart since a young age.

I became a Trustee as I wanted to be able to share my experiences of working in the sector and in my field of expertise to give back and support this fantastic organisation.

I hope I will bring strategic insight into branding, marketing, fundraising and communications as well passion for the cause!

Close up of Trustee Sharon Johnson

Sharon Johnson

Trustee and Chair of the Grants Committee

Close up of Trustee Sharon Johnson
Sharon Johnson

Trustee and Chair of the Grants Committee

I have been a Trustee since December 2017. I really enjoy making a difference, being involved, and spending time helping other people. But it’s hard, I lost my husband to cancer, I’ve had breast cancer, my father in law had lung cancer, my dad had prostate cancer, it’s very raw at times, but is so important.

I retired in 2017 and was looking for a purpose, something where I could make a positive impact, a positive contribution. I was googling ‘volunteering in Norfolk’ and Big C were looking for a Trustee so I applied and here I am.

What do you bring to the role? I bring passion, I’ve worked in the pharmaceutical industry for 40 years so quality reg affairs, product development, globally and with large teams so I bring operational leadership.

Close up of Trustee Marylin Martin

Marilyn Martin

Treasurer, Trustee and member of the Performance and Remuneration Committee, part of the grants working group and interaction with auditers

Close up of Trustee Marylin Martin
Marilyn Martin

Treasurer, Trustee and member of the Performance and Remuneration Committee, part of the grants working group and interaction with auditers

I have been a Trustee since 2015. I was coming up to retirement and I was asked by Chris if I would like to join. I am a chartered accountant and have personal cancer experience. I am a big fan of research, raising money and making research strides. I have managed my own business, my own staff so I also bring my business skills to the role.

I enjoy seeing the charity grow and adapt to changing circumstances and hopefully playing a small part in this.

Close up of Chloe Smith MP, smiling at the camera

Chloe Smith MP

Trustee

Close up of Chloe Smith MP, smiling at the camera
Chloe Smith MP

Trustee

I am thrilled to join Big C, our well-loved local cancer charity.  I’m excited to help the team to serve people across our region, through support, research, equipment and education.

One in two of us will experience cancer in our lifetimes – and that means most of us will see it one way or another whether for ourselves or through family and friends.  I am lucky to be fit and healthy again after breast cancer in 2020, and know how much I owe to the NHS and all those involved in treatment and support.  In gratitude, and in memory of those we love who don’t make it, it’s a privilege to give back as a trustee.

I bring fifteen years of experience in public service as a minister and Norwich MP (2009-2024).

A close up of Trustee, Denise Troughton

Denise Troughton

Trustee and member of the Education and Fundraising, and Equality and Diversity Committees

A close up of Trustee, Denise
Denise Troughton

Trustee and member of the Education and Fundraising, and Equality and Diversity Committees

I have been a Big C Trustee since 2019, as I wanted to be able to put my strategic and senior leader ‘head’ on, on a part time basis on the Board.

Being a Trustee gives me the ability to use my experience, knowledge and skills to give back to an organisation I admire and have close links with.

I bring marketing and commercial experience from different B2B and B2C sectors and industries, a network of contacts and an ambassador for Big C cancer charity.

Close up of Trustee Karen Vincent

Karen Vincent

Trustee and member of the Performance and Remuneration Committee

Close up of Trustee Karen Vincent
Karen Vincent

Trustee and member of the Performance and Remuneration Committee

Coming soon…

Our Presidents

A photo of the founder of Big C, David Moar.

David Moar MBE

Founder & President

A photo of the founder of Big C, David Moar.
David Moar MBE

Founder & President

Coming soon…

A close up of Theresa Cossey MBE, Vice President of Big C.

Theresa Cossey MBE

Vice President

A close up of Theresa Cossey MBE, Vice President of Big C.
Theresa Cossey MBE

Vice President

Coming soon…

Your support is needed more than ever before.

Donate

Every pound donated goes
to supporting those affected with cancer in our community.

Volunteer

Volunteering is a great way to spend free time, meet new people, and gain experience.

Fundraise

Fundraise by yourself, or
with family and friends, to raise vital funds for Big C.

Related news

100 Mile Easter Walk for Canaries Legend Grant Holt and Local Recruitment Agency ARC in Aid of Big C

Canaries legend Grant Holt has teamed up with local recruitment firm ARC to walk an incredible 100 miles in aid of Big C Cancer Charity, starting on Easter Monday.

Read more

Family fun days raise awareness

A weekend of family fun days is taking place on 6-7 April in Great Yarmouth and Gorleston, offering people the opportunity to learn more about their bodies, squeeze through a giant inflatable Big Bum and jump into life-sized educational arcade games as part of a health awareness initiative.

Read more

Strictly glitter ball event raises over £5,800 for Big C

It was time for Big C to get the sequins out and the glitter ball ready on Saturday evening as a glamorous evening of ballroom and latin dancing was held at Hellesdon Community Centre on Saturday 2 March, raising funds for the local cancer charity.

Read more

Talk Norwich City fundraising efforts surpass £40k

A charity online raffle and auction which saw the Norwich City squad come together to raise funds for Big C Cancer Charity has raised £7,794. This recent achievement has meant that the Talk Norwich City (TNC) fundraising total has reached an incredible £41,274 since the duo started supporting the charity in 2019.

Read more

Support

At our centres across the region, we offer support to anyone affected by cancer.

Research

We fund vital, world-class research to help prevent, diagnose and treat cancer.

Get involved

Fundraise by yourself, or
with family and friends, to raise vital funds for Big C.

Let’s keep in touch

Subscribe to our mailing list to receive news and updates from Big C.